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Rinella S, Buscemi A, Massimino S, Perciavalle V, Tortorici MM, Tomaselli DG, Perciavalle V, Di Corrado D, Coco M. Risk-taking behavior, the second-to-fourth digit ratio and psychological features in a sample of cavers. PeerJ 2019; 7:e8029. [PMID: 31720126 PMCID: PMC6844240 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The risk-taking behavior is largely modulated by the subject's history, its lifestyles, by the characteristics of the situations with which it is compared, and also by the effects of prenatal androgens. Thus, the personality of the single person is a significant predictor of such way of acting. Methods The present study aimed to explore the relationship between Digit Ratio Measurement (2D:4D) and personality factors capable to be good predictors for choosing highly risky activities, such as caving. Furthermore, our purpose was to investigate whether 2D:4D ratio is related to cavers' affective states and to assess the personological and emotional features of 34 healthy cavers, aged between 24 and 71 years (M = 39.70, SD = 9.81). Results Data analysis showed several significant correlations between 2D:4D and Deliberate Risk Taking (RTI) and Precautionary Behavior (RTI), confirming that 2D:4D is a reliable index able to predict risk-taking behaviors. Furthermore, data analysis showed that Conscientiousness and its sub-dimension Scrupulousness (BFQ-2) are recurrent among significant correlations; in particular, the latter reports negative correlations with many factors of POMS. Moreover, all participants seemed to have a good attitude to collaboration, in terms of goal-direct strategy, and an adequate management of negative affective states, useful to maintaining a good level of stress within the group. Finally, the BFQ-2 factor Openness to culture seemed to be a predominant feature in the cavers, and this feature could be considered as predictive in the choice of an activity, such as caving, which requires curiosity, perseverance and a great planning of cave exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Rinella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Italy
| | - Andrea Buscemi
- Department of Research, Horus Social Cooperative, Ragusa, Italy, Italy
| | - Simona Massimino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Perciavalle
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Italy
| | - Marta Maria Tortorici
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Italy
| | - Daria Ghiunè Tomaselli
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Italy
| | | | | | - Marinella Coco
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Italy
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2
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Warrington NM, Shevroja E, Hemani G, Hysi PG, Jiang Y, Auton A, Boer CG, Mangino M, Wang CA, Kemp JP, McMahon G, Medina-Gomez C, Hickey M, Trajanoska K, Wolke D, Ikram MA, Montgomery GW, Felix JF, Wright MJ, Mackey DA, Jaddoe VW, Martin NG, Tung JY, Davey Smith G, Pennell CE, Spector TD, van Meurs J, Rivadeneira F, Medland SE, Evans DM. Genome-wide association study identifies nine novel loci for 2D:4D finger ratio, a putative retrospective biomarker of testosterone exposure in utero. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 27:2025-2038. [PMID: 29659830 PMCID: PMC5961159 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The ratio of the length of the index finger to that of the ring finger (2D:4D) is sexually dimorphic and is commonly used as a non-invasive biomarker of prenatal androgen exposure. Most association studies of 2D:4D ratio with a diverse range of sex-specific traits have typically involved small sample sizes and have been difficult to replicate, raising questions around the utility and precise meaning of the measure. In the largest genome-wide association meta-analysis of 2D:4D ratio to date (N = 15 661, with replication N = 75 821), we identified 11 loci (9 novel) explaining 3.8% of the variance in mean 2D:4D ratio. We also found weak evidence for association (β = 0.06; P = 0.02) between 2D:4D ratio and sensitivity to testosterone [length of the CAG microsatellite repeat in the androgen receptor (AR) gene] in females only. Furthermore, genetic variants associated with (adult) testosterone levels and/or sex hormone-binding globulin were not associated with 2D:4D ratio in our sample. Although we were unable to find strong evidence from our genetic study to support the hypothesis that 2D:4D ratio is a direct biomarker of prenatal exposure to androgens in healthy individuals, our findings do not explicitly exclude this possibility, and pathways involving testosterone may become apparent as the size of the discovery sample increases further. Our findings provide new insight into the underlying biology shaping 2D:4D variation in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Warrington
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Enisa Shevroja
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, South Holland, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gibran Hemani
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK
| | - Pirro G Hysi
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | | | - Adam Auton
- 23andMe, Inc., Mountain View, CA 94061, USA
| | - Cindy G Boer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Massimo Mangino
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Carol A Wang
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - John P Kemp
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK
| | - George McMahon
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK
| | - Carolina Medina-Gomez
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, South Holland, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Martha Hickey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne and the Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Katerina Trajanoska
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Dieter Wolke
- Department of Psychology and Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV47AL, UK
| | - M Arfan Ikram
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Grant W Montgomery
- Queensland Brain Institute and Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Janine F Felix
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, South Holland, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Margaret J Wright
- Queensland Brain Institute and Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - David A Mackey
- Lions Eye Institute, Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Vincent W Jaddoe
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, South Holland, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicholas G Martin
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | | | - George Davey Smith
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK
| | - Craig E Pennell
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Tim D Spector
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Joyce van Meurs
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, South Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Fernando Rivadeneira
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, South Holland, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sarah E Medland
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - David M Evans
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK
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Warrington NM, Shevroja E, Hemani G, Hysi PG, Jiang Y, Auton A, Boer CG, Mangino M, Wang CA, Kemp JP, McMahon G, Medina-Gomez C, Hickey M, Trajanoska K, Wolke D, Ikram MA, Montgomery GW, Felix JF, Wright MJ, Mackey DA, Jaddoe VW, Martin NG, Tung JY, Davey Smith G, Pennell CE, Spector TD, van Meurs J, Rivadeneira F, Medland SE, Evans DM. Genome-wide association study identifies nine novel loci for 2D:4D finger ratio, a putative retrospective biomarker of testosterone exposure in utero. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 27:2025-2038. [PMID: 29659830 PMCID: PMC5961159 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy121 10.1093/hmg/ddy121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The ratio of the length of the index finger to that of the ring finger (2D:4D) is sexually dimorphic and is commonly used as a non-invasive biomarker of prenatal androgen exposure. Most association studies of 2D:4D ratio with a diverse range of sex-specific traits have typically involved small sample sizes and have been difficult to replicate, raising questions around the utility and precise meaning of the measure. In the largest genome-wide association meta-analysis of 2D:4D ratio to date (N = 15 661, with replication N = 75 821), we identified 11 loci (9 novel) explaining 3.8% of the variance in mean 2D:4D ratio. We also found weak evidence for association (β = 0.06; P = 0.02) between 2D:4D ratio and sensitivity to testosterone [length of the CAG microsatellite repeat in the androgen receptor (AR) gene] in females only. Furthermore, genetic variants associated with (adult) testosterone levels and/or sex hormone-binding globulin were not associated with 2D:4D ratio in our sample. Although we were unable to find strong evidence from our genetic study to support the hypothesis that 2D:4D ratio is a direct biomarker of prenatal exposure to androgens in healthy individuals, our findings do not explicitly exclude this possibility, and pathways involving testosterone may become apparent as the size of the discovery sample increases further. Our findings provide new insight into the underlying biology shaping 2D:4D variation in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Warrington
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Enisa Shevroja
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, South Holland, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gibran Hemani
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK
| | - Pirro G Hysi
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | | | - Adam Auton
- 23andMe, Inc., Mountain View, CA 94061, USA
| | - Cindy G Boer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Massimo Mangino
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Carol A Wang
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - John P Kemp
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK
| | - George McMahon
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK
| | - Carolina Medina-Gomez
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, South Holland, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Martha Hickey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne and the Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Katerina Trajanoska
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Dieter Wolke
- Department of Psychology and Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV47AL, UK
| | - M Arfan Ikram
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Grant W Montgomery
- Queensland Brain Institute and Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Janine F Felix
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, South Holland, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Margaret J Wright
- Queensland Brain Institute and Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - David A Mackey
- Lions Eye Institute, Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Vincent W Jaddoe
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, South Holland, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicholas G Martin
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | | | - George Davey Smith
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK
| | - Craig E Pennell
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Tim D Spector
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Joyce van Meurs
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, South Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Fernando Rivadeneira
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, South Holland, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sarah E Medland
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - David M Evans
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK
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Herbert J. Testosterone, Cortisol and Financial Risk-Taking. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:101. [PMID: 29867399 PMCID: PMC5964298 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Both testosterone and cortisol have major actions on financial decision-making closely related to their primary biological functions, reproductive success and response to stress, respectively. Financial risk-taking represents a particular example of strategic decisions made in the context of choice under conditions of uncertainty. Such decisions have multiple components, and this article considers how much we know of how either hormone affects risk-appetite, reward value, information processing and estimation of the costs and benefits of potential success or failure, both personal and social. It also considers how far we can map these actions on neural mechanisms underlying risk appetite and decision-making, with particular reference to areas of the brain concerned in either cognitive or emotional functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe Herbert
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Millet K, Buehler F. A Context Dependent Interpretation of Inconsistencies in 2D:4D Findings: The Moderating Role of Status Relevance. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 11:254. [PMID: 29403365 PMCID: PMC5785725 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2017.00254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Whereas direct relationships between 2D:4D and dominance related attitudes or behavior often turn out to be weak, some literature suggests that the relation between 2D:4D and dominance is context-specific. That is, especially in status-challenging situations 2D:4D may be related to dominant behavior and its correlates. Based on this perspective, we interpret inconsistencies in the literature on the relation between 2D:4D and risk taking, aggression and dominance related outcomes and investigate in our empirical study how attitudes in low 2D:4D men may change as a function of the status relevance of the context. We provide evidence for the idea that status relevance of the particular situation at hand influences the attitude towards performance-enhancing means for low 2D:4D men, but not for high 2D:4D men. We argue that 2D:4D may be related to any behavior that is functional to attain status in a specific context. Implications for (economic) decision making are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kobe Millet
- Department of Marketing, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Florian Buehler
- Department of Marketing, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Reed S, Meggs J. Examining the effect of prenatal testosterone and aggression on sporting choice and sporting longevity. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2017.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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