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Fisher M, Muckle G, Lanphear B, Arbuckle TE, Braun JM, Zidek A, Vélez MP, Lupien N, Bastien S, Ashley-Martin J, Oulhote Y, Borghese MM, Walker M, Asztalos E, Bouchard MF, Booij L, Palmert MR, Morrison KM, Cummings EA, Khatchadourian K, Panagiotopoulos C, Glendon G, Shutt R, Abdul-Fatah A, Seal K, Fraser WD. Cohort profile update: The Canadian Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals Child Development study (MIREC-CD PLUS). Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2023; 37:719-732. [PMID: 37921434 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.13013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pan-Canadian Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study was established to determine whether maternal environmental chemical exposures were associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in 2001 pregnant women. OBJECTIVES The MIREC-Child Development (CD PLUS) study followed this cohort with the goal of assessing the potential effects of prenatal exposures on anthropometry and neurodevelopment in early childhood. POPULATION MIREC families with children between the ages of 15 months and 5 years who had agreed to be contacted for future research (n = 1459) were invited to participate in MIREC-CD PLUS which combines data collected from an online Maternal Self-Administered Questionnaire with biomonitoring and neurodevelopment data collected from two in-person visits. PRELIMINARY RESULTS Between April 2013 and March 2015, 803 children participated in the Biomonitoring visit where we collected anthropometric measures, blood, and urine from the children. The Behavioural Assessment System for Children-2, Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function, MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories and the Communication subscale of the Adaptive Behaviour Scale from the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-III are available on close to 900 children. There were 610 singleton children who completed in-person visits for neurodevelopment assessments including the Social Responsiveness Scale, Wechsler Preschool Primary Scale of Intelligence-III and NEuroPSYchological assessments (NEPSY). Currently, we are following the cohort into early adolescence to measure the impact of early life exposures on endocrine and metabolic function (MIREC-ENDO). CONCLUSIONS Data collection for the MIREC-CD PLUS study is complete and analysis of the data continues. We are now extending the follow-up of the cohort into adolescence to measure the impact of early life exposures on endocrine and metabolic function (MIREC-ENDO). MIREC-CD PLUS is limited by loss to follow-up and the fact that mothers are predominately of higher socioeconomic status and 'White' ethnicity, which limits our generalizability. However, the depth of biomonitoring and clinical measures in MIREC provides a platform to examine associations of prenatal, infancy and childhood exposures with child growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Fisher
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Bruce Lanphear
- Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joseph M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Angelika Zidek
- Existing Substances and Risk Assessment Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Nicole Lupien
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Stephanie Bastien
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jillian Ashley-Martin
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Youssef Oulhote
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael M Borghese
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark Walker
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Asztalos
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maryse F Bouchard
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Linda Booij
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Research Centre/Eating Disorders Continuum, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mark R Palmert
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katherine M Morrison
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre for Metabolism, Obesity and Diabetes Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Constadina Panagiotopoulos
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit, Department of Pediatrics, BC Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Gord Glendon
- Ontario Cancer Genetics Network, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robin Shutt
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ammanie Abdul-Fatah
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kelsey Seal
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - William D Fraser
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
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Crespi B. Variation among human populations in endometriosis and PCOS A test of the inverse comorbidity model. Evol Med Public Health 2021; 9:295-310. [PMID: 34659773 PMCID: PMC8514856 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoab029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence linking endometriosis to low prenatal testosterone, and evidence that risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with high prenatal testosterone, have motivated the hypothesis that endometriosis and PCOS exhibit inverse comorbidity. The inverse comorbidity hypothesis predicts that populations exhibiting higher prevalence of one disorder should show lower prevalence of the other. To test this prediction, data were compiled from the literature on the prevalence of endometriosis and PCOS, levels of serum testosterone in women during pregnancy and digit ratios as indicators of prenatal testosterone, in relation to variation in inferred or observed population ancestries. Published studies indicate that rates of endometriosis are highest in women from Asian populations, intermediate in women from European populations and lowest in women from African populations (i.e. with inferred or observed African ancestry); by contrast, rates of PCOS show evidence of being lowest in Asian women, intermediate in Europeans and highest in individuals from African populations. Women from African populations also show higher serum testosterone during pregnancy (which may increase PCOS risk, and decrease endometriosis risk, in daughters), and higher prenatal testosterone (as indicated by digit ratios), than European women. These results are subject to caveats involving ascertainment biases, socioeconomic, cultural and historical effects on diagnoses, data quality, uncertainties regarding the genetic and environmental bases of population differences and population variation in the causes and symptoms of PCOS and endometriosis. Despite such reservations, the findings provide convergent, preliminary support for the inverse comorbidity model, and they should motivate further tests of its predictions. Lay Summary: Given that endometriosis risk and risk of polycystic ovary syndrome show evidence of having genetically, developmentally, and physiologically opposite causes, they should also show opposite patterns of prevalence within populations: where one is more common, the other should be more rare. This hypothesis is supported by data from studies of variation among populations in rates of endometriosis and PCOS and studies of variation among populations in levels of prenatal testosterone, which mediaterisks of both conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Crespi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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Zhang J, Yang M, Luan P, Jia W, Liu Q, Ma Z, Dang J, Lu H, Ma Q, Wang Y, Mu C, Huo Z. Associations Between Cytochrome P450 (CYP) Gene Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Second-to-Fourth Digit Ratio in Chinese University Students. Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e930591. [PMID: 33723203 PMCID: PMC7980499 DOI: 10.12659/msm.930591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes are necessary for the production or metabolism of fetal sex hormones during pregnancy. The second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D: 4D) is formed in the early stage of human fetal development and considered an indicator reflecting prenatal sex steroids levels. We explored the association between 2D: 4D and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CYP. MATERIAL AND METHODS Correlation analysis between 2D: 4D and 8 SNPs, rs2687133 (CPY3A7), rs7173655 (CYP11A1), rs1004467, rs17115149, and rs2486758 (CYP17A1), and rs4646, rs2255192, rs4275794 (CYP19A1), was performed using data from 426 female and 412 male Chinese university students. SNP genotyping was conducted using PCR. Digit lengths were photographed and measured by image processing software. RESULTS rs2486758 (CYP17A1) correlated with left hand 2D: 4D in men (P=0.026), and rs1004467 (CYP17A1) correlated with right hand 2D: 4D in men (P=0.008) and the whole population (P=0.032). In men, allele G rs1004467 decreased right hand 2D: 4D, while allele C of rs2486758 increased left hand 2D: 4D. In women, left hand 2D: 4D was higher in genotypes with allele A of SNP rs4646 (CYP19A1) under the dominant genetic model; female DR-L was higher in genotypes with allele T of rs17115149 (CYP11A1). SNPs rs2687133 (CYP3A7) and rs1004467 (CYP17A1) were significantly correlated with right hand 2D: 4D (P=0.0107). CONCLUSIONS SNPs rs1004467 and rs2486758 of CYP17A1 are significant in the relationship between 2D: 4D and CYP gene polymorphisms under different conditions. SNP interactions between CYP genes probably impact 2D: 4D. The correlation between 2D: 4D and some sex hormone-related diseases may be due to the effect of CYP variants on the 2 phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education/Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics/Basic Medical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, P.R. China
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Diseases, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, P.R. China
| | - Mengyi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education/Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics/Basic Medical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, P.R. China
| | - Pengfei Luan
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education/Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics/Basic Medical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, P.R. China
| | - Wei Jia
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education/Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics/Basic Medical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, P.R. China
| | - Qiujun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education/Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics/Basic Medical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, P.R. China
| | - Zhanbing Ma
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education/Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics/Basic Medical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, P.R. China
| | - Jie Dang
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education/Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics/Basic Medical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, P.R. China
| | - Hong Lu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education/Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics/Basic Medical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, P.R. China
| | - Qian Ma
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education/Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics/Basic Medical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, P.R. China
| | - Yanfeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education/Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics/Basic Medical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, P.R. China
| | - Chunlan Mu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education/Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics/Basic Medical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, P.R. China
| | - Zhenghao Huo
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education/Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics/Basic Medical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, P.R. China
- Department of Biology, Gansu Medical College, Pingliang, Gansu, P.R. China
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Guo J, Wu C, Zhang J, Li W, Lv S, Lu D, Qi X, Feng C, Liang W, Chang X, Zhang Y, Xu H, Cao Y, Wang G, Zhou Z. Prenatal exposure to multiple phenolic compounds, fetal reproductive hormones, and the second to fourth digit ratio of children aged 10 years in a prospective birth cohort. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 263:127877. [PMID: 32835969 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Select phenols are known to possess hormone-disrupting properties, but no previous study has addressed the potential effects of prenatal exposure to phenol mixtures on fetal reproductive hormones and children's second to fourth digit (2D: 4D) ratio, a marker for in utero testosterone (T) exposure. We aimed to explore interrelations of prenatal phenol exposures individually and in mixtures, cord serum reproductive hormones, and 2D: 4D ratio of children aged 10 years. Urinary 11 phenol concentrations were determined from 392 pregnant women participating in a longitudinal birth cohort. We estimated associations of prenatal phenol exposures individually and in mixtures with cord reproductive hormones and children's 2D:4D ratio using three statistical approaches, including generalized linear models (GLMs), elastic net regression (ENR) models and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models. In female newborns, the three models showed that maternal triclosan (TCS) concentrations were significantly negatively associated with cord serum T levels [regression coefficient (β) = -0.076, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.138, -0.013; p = 0.018]. Additionally, maternal urinary bisphenol A (BPA) levels were related to decreases in 2D:4D ratio of the left hand in girls by GLMs (β = -0.003, 95% CI: 0.007, -0.001; p = 0.024) and ENR models, but not BKMR models. We provided evidence that prenatal TCS exposure predicted lower cord serum T levels, and maternal BPA exposure was related to decreased 2D:4D ratio of the left hand in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqiu Guo
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education/Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, No.130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chunhua Wu
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education/Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, No.130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Jiming Zhang
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education/Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, No.130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wenting Li
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education/Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, No.130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shenliang Lv
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education/Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, No.130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Dasheng Lu
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 1380 Zhongshan West Road, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Xiaojuan Qi
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 3399 Binsheng Road, Hangzhou, 310051, China
| | - Chao Feng
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 1380 Zhongshan West Road, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Weijiu Liang
- Changning District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No.39 Yunwushan Road, Shanghai, 200051, China
| | - Xiuli Chang
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education/Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, No.130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yubin Zhang
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education/Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, No.130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Changning District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No.39 Yunwushan Road, Shanghai, 200051, China
| | - Yang Cao
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, 70182, Sweden
| | - Guoquan Wang
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 1380 Zhongshan West Road, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Zhijun Zhou
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education/Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, No.130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Association patterns between 2D:4D ratio and age at menarche: the impact of methodology. ANTHROPOLOGICAL REVIEW 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/anre-2020-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The ratio of index finger to ring finger length (2D:4D) is a sexually dimorphic feature and widely used as an indicator of prenatal androgen-estrogen exposure. Several studies have investigated the relationship between the 2D:4D ratio and the onset of the first menstrual period (menarche) in women.
The present study tested the association patterns between 2D:4D ratio and age at menarche. Furthermore, the impact of methods of measuring finger lengths was considered.
Two samples were used to conduct the study. One sample consisted of 110 women who self-measured their finger lengths. The finger length measurements in the second sample (88 women) were taken from one trained observer using the caliper-based technique. Age at menarche was determined using a retrospective method.
Women from the first sample reported an average age for the onset of the first menstrual bleeding at 12.9 (SD = 1.4) years of age. There was no significant association between the left and right 2D:4D ratio and the age at menarche. The second sample showed a mean age at menarche at 12.8 (SD = 1.3) years of age. Here, the right hand 2D:4D ratio and age at menarche were significantly correlated (p<0.001).
A more feminine 2D:4D ratio was significantly associated with an earlier menarcheal age only in the sample with direct finger length measurements by a trained investigator. The sample using self-measurements yielded no significant associations between menarcheal age and 2D:4D. The use of a reliable and well-founded methodology is essential for obtaining meaningful results.
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Yamada Y, Ebara T, Yamaguchi C, Miyachi T, Shoji N, Matsuki T, Kano H, Hirosawa M, Kamijima M. Sexual difference in 2nd-to-4th digit ratio among 1.5-year-old Japanese children: A cross-sectional study of Aichi regional adjunct cohort of the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS-A). Early Hum Dev 2020; 146:105050. [PMID: 32387816 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2020.105050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A sex difference in the second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D, males < females) has been described in Japanese fetuses and children, and its possible links to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have been discussed. Accordingly, this sexual difference in representative neonates merits examination. AIMS This study aimed to examine 2D:4D measurements and sexual differences in Japanese toddlers aged 1.5 years. STUDY DESIGN AND SUBJECTS The digit lengths used to calculate 2D:4D were measured using an easy-to-use photography method. A total of 1045 JECS-A (the Aichi regional sub-cohort of the Japan Environment and Children's Study) children (males, 523; females, 522) aged 1.5 years were analyzed. RESULTS The mean ages for the males and females were 575.3 ± 13.1 and 575.9 ± 17.1 days, respectively. Histograms of left and right 2D:4D were normally distributed regardless of sex (left male, 0.909 ± 0.048; left female, 0.913 ± 0.049, d = 0.08; right male, 0.938 ± 0.055; right female, 0.937 ± 0.049, d = 0.02). Because of high dispersion in the data, t-tests did not support a significant sex difference in 2D:4D. Post-hoc statistical power was calculated as 0.124 and the effect size for the sex difference in 2D:4D was 0.036. CONCLUSIONS This study failed to confirm sexual differences in 2D:4D in 1.5-year-old Japanese children. This may be because digit measurement is difficult in this group, resulting in reduced effect sizes, or because rapid growth attenuates the in utero sexual dimorphism. This evidence is useful for the light it casts on the extreme male brain theory of ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Yamada
- Juntendo University, Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Inzai, Chiba 2701695, Japan; Nagoya City University, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 4678601, Japan
| | - Takeshi Ebara
- Nagoya City University, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 4678601, Japan.
| | - Chikae Yamaguchi
- Nagoya City University, Graduate School of Nursing, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 4678601, Japan
| | - Taishi Miyachi
- Nagoya City University, Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 4678601, Japan
| | - Naoto Shoji
- Nagoya City University, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 4678601, Japan; Asahi University, School of Health Sciences, Mizuho, Gifu 5010296, Japan
| | - Taro Matsuki
- Nagoya City University, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 4678601, Japan
| | - Hirohisa Kano
- Nagoya City University, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 4678601, Japan
| | - Masataka Hirosawa
- Juntendo University, Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Inzai, Chiba 2701695, Japan
| | - Michihiro Kamijima
- Nagoya City University, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 4678601, Japan
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Tabachnik M, Sheiner E, Wainstock T. The association between second to fourth digit ratio, reproductive and general health among women: findings from an Israeli pregnancy cohort. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6341. [PMID: 32286380 PMCID: PMC7156723 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62599-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The ratio between the length of second and fourth digits (2D:4D) is a putative biomarker for prenatal testosterone and estrogen exposure. The aim of the study was to examine the association between 2D:4D and women’s general and reproductive health. This analysis was conducted within a prospective pregnancy cohort study. The study population included 187 women. 2D:4D was measured directly in both hands using a digital caliper. Multivariable linear and logistic models were used to study the associations between digit ratio and the studied health characteristics. Mean age of the participants was 30.7 ± 4.9 years. The mean age at menarche was 12.9 ± 1.4 years. Right hand 2D:4D mean ± SD was 0.965 ± 0.03. Left hand 2D:4D mean ± SD was 0.956 ± 0.03. An association was found between right 2D:4D and age at menarche, with older age in women with 2D:4D ≥ mean versus 2D:4D < mean (13.2 ± 1.5 and 12.8 ± 1.3 respectively, b = 0.48, 95%CI:0.06–0.91) while controlling for ethnicity. Higher 2D:4D was also associated with heavier menses bleeding and dysmenorrhea. There is an association between 2D:4D and sub optimal reproductive characteristics, including later age at menarche, heavier menses bleeding and dysmenorrhea. These findings support the association between the intrauterine period and reproductive characteristics. Further studies are required to support our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Tabachnik
- The Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 653, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel.
| | - Eyal Sheiner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 151, Beer-Sheva, 84101, Israel
| | - Tamar Wainstock
- The Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 653, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
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Wu L, Yao R, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Li T, Chen M, Liu W, Han H, Bi L, Fu L. The association between digit ratio (2D:4D) and overweight or obesity among Chinese children and adolescents: A cross-sectional study. Early Hum Dev 2019; 136:14-20. [PMID: 31284129 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2019.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between 2D:4D and childhood overweight or obesity, which might indirectly show the role of prenatal hormone in childhood overweight or obesity. METHODS Using stratified cluster sampling approach, a school-based cross-sectional investigation was undertaken among 687 children and adolescents aged 8-15 years. Each participant's index finger (2D) and ring finger (4D) length, height, weight, testosterone, and estradiol levels were measured, and their dietary behaviors, physical and sedentary activities were also surveyed. RESULTS The prevalence of overweight or obesity among children and adolescents aged 8- and 12-15 years was 36.0% and 25.9%, respectively (P < 0.05). There were no associations between 2D:4D and overweight or obesity in both boys and girls (P > 0.05). However, 2D and multiplying index of digit ratio and length (MIDRL) associated directly with overweight or obesity among boys (OR (95%CI) were 1.45 (1.00, 2.14), 1.46 (1.01, 2.11), respectively), and was indirectly related to overweight or obesity by testosterone (OR were 1.30, 1.26, respectively). CONCLUSIONS In boys, 2D and MIDRL were directly related to overweight or obesity, and indirectly associated with overweight or obesity by testosterone, which suggested that prenatal hormone exposure might associate with overweight or obesity among boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
| | - Rongying Yao
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
| | - Yifei Zhang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
| | - Ting Li
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
| | - Manman Chen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
| | - Wenming Liu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
| | - Hui Han
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
| | - Linda Bi
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Lianguo Fu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China.
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Nguyen TV, Jutras B, Monnier P, Muckle G, Velez M, Arbuckle TE, Saint-Amour D. Prenatal masculinization of the auditory system in infants: The MIREC-ID study. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 104:33-41. [PMID: 30784903 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences in inner-ear function are detectable in infants, notably through the measurement of otoacoustic emissions (OAEs). Prevailing theories posit that prenatal exposure to high levels of androgens in boys may weaken OAEs, and that this phenomenon may predominantly affect the right ear/left hemisphere (Geschwind-Galaburda (GG) hypothesis). Yet, actual tests of these models have been difficult to implement in humans. Here we examined the relationship between markers of fetal androgen exposure collected at birth (anogenital distances (AGD); penile length/width, areolar/scrotal/vulvar pigmentation) and at 6 months of age (2nd to 4th digit ratio (2D:4D)) with two types of OAEs, click-evoked OAEs (CEOAEs) and distortion-product OAEs (DPOAEs) (n = 49; 25 boys; 24 girls). We found that, in boys, scrotal pigmentation was inversely associated with the amplitude and reproducibility of CEOAEs in the right ear at 4 kHz, with trends also present in the same ear for mean CEOAE amplitude and CEOAE amplitude at 2 kHz. Penile length was inversely associated with the mean amplitude of DPOAEs in both the right and left ears, as well as with DPOAE amplitude in the right ear at 2 kHz and the reproducibility of CEOAEs in the left ear at 2.8 kHz. Finally, AGD-scrotum in boys was positively associated in boys with the amplitude of DPOAEs in the left ear at 2.8 kHz. Unexpectedly, there were no sex differences in the amplitude or reproducibility of OAEs, nor, in girls, any associations between androgenic markers and auditory function. Nonetheless, these findings, reported for the first time in a sample of human infants, support both the prenatal-androgen-exposure and GG models as explanations for the masculinization of auditory function in male infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuong-Vi Nguyen
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, Canada; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology McGill University, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, Canada; Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre [RI-MUHC), Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Benoît Jutras
- Research Center, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada; School of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Patricia Monnier
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology McGill University, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, Canada; Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre [RI-MUHC), Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Gina Muckle
- School of Psychology, Laval University, Quebec CHU Research Centre, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Maria Velez
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Population Studies Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa Canada
| | - Dave Saint-Amour
- Research Center, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada; Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
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10
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Androgenic and estrogenic indices in human newborns and infants: the MIREC-ID study. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2019; 10:578-586. [PMID: 30898182 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174419000059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal sex steroid exposure plays an important role in determining child development. Yet, measurement of prenatal hormonal exposure has been limited by the paucity of newborn/infant data and the invasiveness of fetal hormonal sampling. Here we provide descriptive data from the MIREC-ID study (n=173 girls; 162 boys) on a range of minimally invasive physical indices thought to reflect prenatal exposure to androgens [anogenital distances (AGDs); penile length/width, scrotal/vulvar pigmentation], to estrogens [vaginal maturation index (VMI) - the degree of maturation of vaginal wall cells] or to both androgens/estrogens [2nd-to-4th digit ratio (2D:4D); areolar pigmentation, triceps/sub-scapular skinfold thickness, arm circumference]. VMI was found to be associated with triceps skinfold thickness (β=0.265, P=0.005), suggesting that this marker may be sensitive to estrogen levels produced by adipose tissue in girls. Both estrogenic and androgenic markers (VMI: β=0.338, P=0.031; 2D:4D - right: β=-0.207, P=0.040; left: β=-0.276, P=0.006; AGD-fourchette - β=0.253, P=0.036) were associated with areolar pigmentation in girls, supporting a role for the latter as an index of both androgen and estrogen exposure. We also found AGD-penis (distance from the anus to the penis) to be associated with scrotal pigmentation (β=0.290, P=0.048), as well as right arm circumference (β=0.462, P<0.0001), supporting the notion that these indices may be used together as markers of androgen exposure in boys. In sum, these findings support the use of several physical indices at birth to convey a more comprehensive picture of prenatal exposure to sex hormones.
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11
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Arbuckle TE, Agarwal A, MacPherson SH, Fraser WD, Sathyanarayana S, Ramsay T, Dodds L, Muckle G, Fisher M, Foster W, Walker M, Monnier P. Prenatal exposure to phthalates and phenols and infant endocrine-sensitive outcomes: The MIREC study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 120:572-583. [PMID: 30195175 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anogenital distance (AGD) and the second to fourth finger (2D:4D) digit ratio may be early markers of in utero androgen exposure for the infant. Phthalates and phenols have been identified as endocrine disrupting chemicals. OBJECTIVES To study the association between prenatal exposure to phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA) and triclosan (TCS) and AGD and the 2D:4D digit ratios. METHODS Single spot urine samples were collected in the first trimester from the MIREC Study and analyzed for phthalates and phenols. Anogenital distance (n = 394) at birth and 2D:4D digit ratios (n = 420) at 6 months were measured in male and female infants. Associations between maternal concentrations of phenols and phthalate metabolites and these outcomes were estimated using multiple linear regression models. RESULTS In females, the anoclitoris distance (ACD) was negatively associated with mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP) (β = -1.24; 95% CI -1.91, -0.57) and positively associated with mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP) (β = 0.65; 95% CI 0.12, 1.18) (masculinizing). In males, anopenile distance (APD) was positively associated with mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) (β = 1.17; 95% CI 0.02, 2.32) and the molar sum of low molecular weight phthalates (ΣLMW). Female 2D:4D of the right hand was positively associated with MnBP and negatively with total BPA (masculinizing). CONCLUSIONS Significant associations were only observed for the long AGD metrics. Positive associations were observed between MnBP or LMW phthalates and APD in males. In females, prenatal MEP was associated with a masculinizing effect on ACD, while MBzP was associated with a feminizing effect. No significant associations were observed between prenatal phenols and AGD. Given the paucity of research on digit ratios and prenatal chemical exposures, it is difficult to say whether this metric will be a useful marker of prenatal androgen or anti-androgen exposure. Given the large number of associations examined, the statistical associations observed may have been due to Type 1 error. The inconsistencies in results between studies suggest that this issue is yet to be resolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tye E Arbuckle
- Population Studies Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Amisha Agarwal
- Population Studies Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Clinical Research Unit, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Susan H MacPherson
- Population Studies Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - William D Fraser
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Sheela Sathyanarayana
- University of Washington, Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tim Ramsay
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Linda Dodds
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Gina Muckle
- School of Psychology, Laval University, Quebec CHU Research Center, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Mandy Fisher
- Population Studies Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Warren Foster
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Mark Walker
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Newborn Care, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Patricia Monnier
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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12
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Shere M, Arbuckle TE, Monnier P, Fraser W, Velez MP. Time-to-pregnancy and offspring finger-length ratio (2D:4D). Am J Hum Biol 2018; 30:e23176. [PMID: 30329191 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Time-to-Pregnancy (TTP) is an epidemiological tool to assess couple fecundity. The finger digit ratio (2D:4D) has been suggested as a marker of androgen exposure in utero. Maternal, paternal, or couple-mediated factors related to fecundity may also have an effect on androgen exposure during pregnancy. We aimed to investigate the association between TTP, infertility, or use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) and offspring 2D:4D. METHODS Data from 673 mother-child pairs were collected from questionnaires in the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study across 10 cities in Canada. The mean maternal age was 33.4 years (SD 4.7), with a median gestational age of 12.1 weeks (SD 1.3), at the time of recruitment. Our study included 338 girls and 335 boys, and the mean age of the children at follow-up was 3.5 years (SD 1.0). TTP was assessed through questionnaires during the first trimester of pregnancy. Digital photographs of both hands were taken in a follow-up study to calculate the children's 2D:4D (2-5 years). anova, t tests, and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS Boys had significantly lower mean 2D:4Ds (0.936 ±0.041 in right hand, 0.936 ±0.040 in left hand) compared to girls (0.948 ±0.038 in right hand, 0.945 ±0.038 in left hand). The mean 2D:4D did not differ according to TTP, infertility, or use of ART. The only factors associated with the child's 2D:4D were the child's age and maternal 2D:4D. CONCLUSIONS Our study does not support an association between TTP, infertility, or use of ART and children's 2D:4D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahvash Shere
- School of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Targeted Epidemiology and Biomonitoring Section, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Patricia Monnier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - William Fraser
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Maria P Velez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
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Is maternal periconceptional smoking associated with 2D:4D digit ratio in their children? J Dev Orig Health Dis 2017; 8:597-603. [DOI: 10.1017/s2040174417000320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The 2nd--4th finger ratio (2D:4D) has been proposed as a potential indicator of greater androgen exposure during fetal development. Maternal periconceptional smoking may alter the homeostasis of fetal androgens, which could in turn result in differential development of 2D:4Ds in utero. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of maternal periconceptional smoking (i.e. 1 year before through the first trimester of pregnancy) on the 2D:4D of children within The Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study. Maternal smoking history was obtained through questionnaires during the first trimester of pregnancy in 2001 women from 10 cities across Canada. The periconceptional smoking prevalence was 12%. A follow-up study was conducted to measure growth and development up to 5 years of age in a subsample of some 800 MIREC children (MIREC-CD Plus), and digital pictures of the ventral surface of both hands were obtained in mothers and children (2–5 years). The 2D:4D was calculated as the ratio of the 2nd and 4th fingers of each hand. Boys had lower mean 2D:4Ds compared with girls in both hands. Age and maternal 2D:4D were strong determinants of the children’s 2D:4D, however, the mean 2D:4D did not differ among children whose mothers had smoked during the periconceptional period compared with those who had not, irrespective of sex. In conclusion, we did not find an association between maternal periconceptional smoking and children’s 2D:4D, although the smoking prevalence was low.
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