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Gurok MG, Yıldız S, Bakış Aksoy D, Kılıçaslan AK, Tabara MF, Yılmaz T, Kaya K, Danacı Keleş D, Karakaş Ş, Şimşek D, Atmaca M. Second and fourth (2D:4D) digit ratio in heroin and cannabis addicted patients. J Ethn Subst Abuse 2023:1-14. [PMID: 38043030 DOI: 10.1080/15332640.2023.2278475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
The etiology of addiction has not yet been fully elucidated. The ratio between the length of the second and fourth fingers (2D:4D ratio) has been linked with prenatal androgen concentrations, but also with addictive behvaiors. Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the differences of 2D:4D ratio of individuals with cannabis and heroin addiction by examining them together with the control group. A total of sixty two male patients (33 opiate use disorder and 29 cannabis use disorder) with substance use disorder and the twenty-nine healthy controls were included in the present investigation. We obtained the lengths of 2D and 4D of the subjects by using sensitive calipers and calculated the 2D:4D. Heroin-addicted patients had lower 2D:4D ratio in in the right hand (significant difference between control group) (p < 0.001), there was no significant difference found between heroin-cannabis (p = 0.242) and control-cannabis 2D:4D ratios (p < 0.06). In the left hand, it was significant between the heroin-control groups (p < 0.037) and the cannabis-control groups (p < 0.023), while it was not significant between the heroin-cannabis groups (p = 1). In conclusion, we suggest that heroin-and cannabis addicted patients seem to have a lower ratio of 2D:4D compared to healthy control subjects. Our findings can be considered promising as to whether prenatal hormonal factors are important in the etiopathogenesis of addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Gurkan Gurok
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Fırat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Sevler Yıldız
- Department of Psychiatry, Fethi Sekin City Hospital, Elazig, Turkey
| | | | | | | | - Tuba Yılmaz
- Department of Psychiatry, Fethi Sekin City Hospital, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Kamer Kaya
- Elazığ Mental Health Hospital, Elazig, Turkey
| | | | - Şahin Karakaş
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Fırat University, Elazig, Turkey
- Department of Psychiatry, Sorgun State Hospital, Yozgat, Turkey
| | | | - Murad Atmaca
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Fırat University, Elazig, Turkey
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Lenz B, Gerhardt S, Boroumand-Jazi R, Eichler A, Buchholz VN, Fasching PA, Kornhuber J, Banaschewski T, Flor H, Guldner S, Prignitz M, Nees F. Sex-specific association between prenatal androgenization (second-to-fourth digit length ratio) and frontal brain volumes in adolescents. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023; 273:1243-1254. [PMID: 36449103 PMCID: PMC10449726 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-022-01515-4] [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: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal androgenization associates sex-dependently with behavior and mental health in adolescence and adulthood, including risk-taking, emotionality, substance use, and depression. However, still little is known on how it affects underlying neural correlates, like frontal brain control regions. Thus, we tested whether prenatal androgen load is sex-dependently related to frontal cortex volumes in a sex-balanced adolescent sample. In a cross-sectional magnetic resonance imaging study, we examined 61 adolescents (28 males, 33 females; aged 14 or 16 years) and analyzed associations of frontal brain region volumes with the second-to-fourth digit length ratio (2D:4D), an established marker for prenatal androgenization, using voxel-based morphometry in a region-of-interest approach. Lower 2D:4D (indicative of higher prenatal androgen load) correlated significantly with smaller volumes of the right anterior cingulate cortex (r-ACC; β = 0.45) in male adolescents and with larger volumes of the left inferior frontal gyrus orbital part (l-IFGorb; β = - 0.38) in female adolescents. The regression slopes of 2D:4D on the r-ACC also differed significantly between males and females. The study provides novel evidence that prenatal androgenization may influence the development of the frontal brain in a sex- and frontal brain region-specific manner. These effects might contribute to the well-known sex differences in risk-taking, emotionality, substance use, and depression. Future research is needed to elucidate the role of prenatal androgenization within the biopsychosocial model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Lenz
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Sarah Gerhardt
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rafat Boroumand-Jazi
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Anna Eichler
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Verena Nadine Buchholz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter A Fasching
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tobias Banaschewski
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Herta Flor
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Stella Guldner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Maren Prignitz
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Frauke Nees
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Schleswig Holstein, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
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Siegmann EM, Olm P, Lenz B, Mühle C, Oberstein TJ, Maler JM, Kornhuber J. Digit Ratio (2D:4D) Is Not Associated with Alzheimer's Disease in the Elderly. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1229. [PMID: 37759830 PMCID: PMC10526128 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13091229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is influenced by sex hormones-estrogens and androgens in particular. However, the impact of prenatal sex hormone exposure is less clear; very few investigations have examined the relationship between the second-to-fourth digit length ratio (2D:4D), a putative proxy for the ratio of prenatal estrogens to androgens, and AD, with inconsistent results among the few that have. Therefore, we aimed to investigate this relationship using methodologically robust metrics. In a 2 (sex) × 4 (group) MANOVA incorporating 108 participants (30 AD patients, 19 patients with tauopathy but no amyloidopathy, 31 clinical and 28 healthy age- and education-matched controls), the effects of sex and group on the dependent variables right and left 2D:4D were examined. We also explored the association between 2D:4D and the severity of AD symptoms assessed via neuropsychological examination. We did not find any significant differences in the right- and left-hand 2D:4D between patients with AD and the other groups; no significant associations between 2D:4D and neuropsychological task performances were found in the dementia groups. The 2D:4D of healthy women was significantly lower than that of depressed women without AD, i.e., clinical controls, but not significantly different from depressed female patients with AD. This investigation does not support the role of 2D:4D in the development or severity of AD in general, but suggests a potential role of 2D:4D for depression in women. Future studies are warranted to clarify whether 2D:4D can distinguish between early- and late-onset depression in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Maria Siegmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Pauline Olm
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bernd Lenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christiane Mühle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Timo Jan Oberstein
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Juan Manuel Maler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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Eichler A, Kaufmann F, Titzmann A, Fasching PA, Beckmann MW, Gerlach J, Kratz O, Moll GH, Buchholz VN, Kornhuber J, Lenz B. 2D:4D biomarker reliability and validity in a within-subject pregnancy-childhood-adolescence cohort. Early Hum Dev 2023; 181:105776. [PMID: 37084692 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2023.105776] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A lot of studies use the second-to-fourth digit length ratio (2D:4D) as a biomarker for intrauterine androgen load to predict behavioral and mental health problems. Thus, knowledge of 2D:4D's metric properties, namely reliability and validity, is essential. METHOD 2D:4D handscans were available from 149 adolescents (M = 13.32 years, SD = 0.35) and their mothers. For 88 adolescents, there were also primary-school age handscans (M = 7.87 years, SD = 0.68). Prenatal risks for the 1st to 3rd trimesters were recorded during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy (alcohol exposition: meconium biomarker and maternal self-report; nicotine exposition: maternal self-report; maternal depressive symptoms and subjective stress: questionnaires). RESULTS The 2D:4D ratio was highly stable from childhood to early adolescence. However, both developmental and sex effects were present: The 2D:4D ratio increased with age and was higher in adolescent girls vs. boys. Significant 2D:4D mother-child associations were found for girls. Significant main effects could be found for the prenatal risk factors alcohol (self-report) and nicotine consumption. CONCLUSION In line with earlier studies, the 2D:4D biomarker proved to be an inter-individually stable measure with an intra-individual increase from childhood to early adolescence. Sex differences in adolescence and associations with maternal prenatal health behaviour underline the validity of the biomarker. Findings on heritability emphasize the importance of interpreting 2D:4D results in a sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Eichler
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Univesität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Franziska Kaufmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Univesität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Adriana Titzmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Univesität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter A Fasching
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Univesität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias W Beckmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Univesität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jennifer Gerlach
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Univesität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Oliver Kratz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Univesität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gunther H Moll
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Univesität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Verena N Buchholz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Univesität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Univesität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bernd Lenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Univesität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany; Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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Kim Y, Won SD, Kwon H, Han C. The Ratio of Second and Fourth Digit Length: A Biomarker for Methamphetamine Dependence? CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN COLLEGE OF NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 20:694-700. [PMID: 36263644 PMCID: PMC9606433 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2022.20.4.694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The ratio of 2nd and 4th digit length (2D:4D) is considered to be a sexually dimorphic trait. Low 2D:4D is implicated in alcohol dependence and heroin dependence and correlated with psychological traits such as aggression, physical aggression, and sensation. The purpose of this study is to compare the 2D:4D between methamphetamine (METH) dependence and controls and the 2D:4D ratio that is a potential biomarker for METH dependence. METHODS In this study, 40 patients diagnosed with METH dependence in Eulji University Gangnam Eulji Hospital and 50 healthy volunteers were all employees in the same hospital. Images of participants' hands were created using a scanning device. The images contained both the right and left hands; computer software was used to measure the 2D:4D ratio for both hands. We compared the ratios, analyzed by t test, between the METH dependence group and the control group. RESULTS The mean 2D:4D values were 0.941 (right hand) and 0.943 (left hand) for the patients with METH dependence; in contrast, they were 0.961 (right hand) and 0.961 (left hand) for the control group. These values were significantly smaller than the control in patients' right hands (p = 0.003) and left hands (p = 0.012). CONCLUSION Patients with METH dependence had smaller 2D:4D ratios than those in the control group, which is similar to the results from the previous substance use disorder studies. Thus, elevated prenatal testosterone levels during the gonadal period could be related to future METH problems. Furthermore, the 2D:4D ratio is a potential marker for the prediction of METH dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- YoungHo Kim
- Department of Addiction Rehabilitation with Social Welfare, Eulji University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Sung-Doo Won
- Department of Psychology, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Hyejin Kwon
- Korean Association Against Drug Abuse Drug Addiction Rehabilitation Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Changwoo Han
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul Municipal Goyang Mental Hospital, Goyang, Korea,Address for correspondence: Changwoo Han Department of Psychiatry, Seoul Municipal Goyang Mental Hospital, 46, Tongil-ro 1102beon-gil, Deogyang-gu, Goyang 10264, Korea, E-mail: , ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7898-6584
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Fusar-Poli L, Rodolico A, Sturiale S, Carotenuto B, Natale A, Arillotta D, Siafis S, Signorelli MS, Aguglia E. Second-to-Fourth Digit Ratio (2D:4D) in Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review of Case-control Studies. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN COLLEGE OF NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 19:26-45. [PMID: 33508786 PMCID: PMC7851454 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2021.19.1.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is an indirect, retrospective, non-invasive measure that correlates negatively with intrauterine exposure to testosterone. The present meta-analysis aimed to evaluate if 2D:4D differs between patients with psychiatric disorders and controls. In September 2019, we searched in Web of Knowledge, PsycINFO, Embase, and CINHAL, and retrieved 619 papers. We finally included 43 case-control studies which compared the 2D:4D ratio of patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (n = 16), schizophrenia (n = 8), gender non-conformity (n = 7), addictions (n = 5), attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (n = 4), mood disorders (n = 2), and intellectual disability (n = 1) to non-clinical controls. Meta-analyses showed that, overall, psychiatric patients had lower 2D:4D than healthy controls (n = 43, overall sample = 9,484, mean difference = -0.0056, 95% confidence interval from -0.0093 to -0.002, I2 = 74%), with more pronounced differences in the right hand, males, and children. Considering psychiatric disorders individually, significant differences were found in the ASD, ADHD, and addictions groups, in which 2D:4D was significantly lower than healthy controls. Conversely, the right hand of males with schizophrenia showed higher 2D:4D than healthy controls. No other significant differences were detected. Although our results need to be cautiously interpreted and find limited applications in clinical practice, they may suggest that 2D:4D is altered in some psychopathological conditions, underlining the role of prenatal exposure to sex steroids in the etiology of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fusar-Poli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rodolico
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Serena Sturiale
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Bianca Carotenuto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antimo Natale
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Davide Arillotta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Spyridon Siafis
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maria Salvina Signorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Eugenio Aguglia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Waedel L, Daubmann A, Zapf A, Reis O. Effectiveness of a mindfulness-oriented substance use prevention program for boys with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1780. [PMID: 33238932 PMCID: PMC7686945 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09878-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Boys with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities (MBID) are at particular risk to drink in harmful ways once they start to consume alcohol. Interventions based on mindfulness have been proven to be effective in preventing substance use, but mostly for adults with MBID. A mindfulness oriented intervention targeting 11-17 years old boys will be tested in a randomised controlled trial. Study aim is to investigate the benefits of this new intervention compared to an active control condition within a 12 months follow-up. METHODS In this randomised controlled proof of concept study, 82 boys with MBID who consumed any alcohol during the last year will be randomised either to the 6 week mindfulness oriented intervention or the control group receiving a control intervention equal in dose and length. The intervention group undergoes mindfulness training combined with interactive drug education, while the control group completes a health training combined with the same education. In the intention-to-treat analysis the primary outcome is the self-reported delay of first post-intervention drunkeness within a 12 months follow-up time span, measured weekly with a short app-based questionnaire. Secondary outcome is the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs within 30 days post-intervention. Changes in neurobiological behavioural parameters, such as impulse control, reward anticipation, and decision making, are also investigated. Other secondary outcomes regard trait mindfulness, emotion regulation, psychopathological symptoms, peer networks, perceived stress, and quality of life. In addition, a prospective registry will be established to record specific data on the population of 11-17 year old boys with MBID without any alcohol experience. DISCUSSION This study offers the opportunity to gain first evidence of the effectiveness of a mindfulness-oriented program for the prevention of substance use for boys with MBID. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00014042 . Registered on March 19th 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Waedel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Neurology, University Medical Centre Rostock, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Anne Daubmann
- Department of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Antonia Zapf
- Department of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Olaf Reis
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Neurology, University Medical Centre Rostock, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany
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Relationship Between Second-to-Fourth Digit Ratio (as a Biomarker) and Tramadol Dependence. ADDICTIVE DISORDERS & THEIR TREATMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1097/adt.0000000000000232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Lenz B, Mühle C, Kornhuber J. Lower digit ratio (2D:4D) in alcohol dependence: Confirmation and exploratory analysis in a population-based study of young men. Addict Biol 2020; 25:e12815. [PMID: 31418510 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Moderately sized, case-control studies have related alcohol dependence in middle-aged in-patients to lower second-to-fourth finger length ratio (2D:4D), a proxy for prenatal hyperandrogenization. As primary aim, we here intended to confirm that lower 2D:4D is also associated with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-IV/-5 alcohol dependence and alcohol use disorder in a large population-based cohort of young males. Exploratory aims included underlying mechanisms. We analyzed self-reported data on 2D:4D, DSM-IV/-5 criteria, anticipated subjective responses to alcohol, and willingness to purchase alcoholic drinks from 4989 Swiss men of the Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors (C-SURF). The mean of right-hand 2D:4D and left-hand 2D:4D was lower in men with DSM-IV alcohol dependence than in those without (0.975 vs 0.981, P = .035) and lower in men with moderate to severe (0.974) than in those with mild (0.982, P = .001) or no (0.981, P = .003) DSM-5 alcohol use disorder. Moreover, mean 2D:4D was lower in those reporting recent use of health services due to substance use problems (0.968 vs 0.981, P = .046). Lower mean 2D:4D correlated with a stronger anticipation to feel high following alcohol consumption (total cohort: ρ = -0.033, P = .026) and with a willingness to purchase more higher-priced alcoholic drinks (DSM-IV alcohol dependence subgroup: ρmin = -0.162, P = .002). This is the first population-based study on young males to demonstrate lower 2D:4D in DSM-IV alcohol dependence, DSM-5 alcohol use disorder, and the related use of health care services. We also provide novel insight into cognitive-behavioral mechanisms. These results should help to establish more effective preventive and therapeutic strategies targeting 2D:4D and prenatal androgen exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Lenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Friedrich‐Alexander University Erlangen‐Nürnberg (FAU) Erlangen Germany
| | - Christiane Mühle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Friedrich‐Alexander University Erlangen‐Nürnberg (FAU) Erlangen Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Friedrich‐Alexander University Erlangen‐Nürnberg (FAU) Erlangen Germany
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Buchholz VN, Mühle C, Kornhuber J, Lenz B. Lower Digit Ratio (2D:4D) Indicative of Excess Prenatal Androgen Is Associated With Increased Sociability and Greater Social Capital. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:246. [PMID: 31866841 PMCID: PMC6906175 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00246] [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: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Positive social interactions are crucial for human well-being. Elevated prenatal exposure to testosterone as indicated by a low second-to-fourth finger length ratio (2D:4D) relates to more aggressive/hostile behavior in men of low 2D:4D, especially in challenging situations. How much people enjoy interacting with others is determined by the personality trait sociability. Given its role in approach and avoidance behavior, sociability might also be influenced by prenatal sex hormones, but studies are inconclusive so far. Here, we investigated the association between 2D:4D and the personality trait sociability complemented by personal social capital and personal social network size, in a population-based cohort of 4998 men. Lower 2D:4D correlated significantly with higher trait sociability, bigger personal social capital, and larger personal social network size. These effects were consistent across both hands separately and their mean value. Furthermore, both factors of sociability (1) liking party and company of friends and (2) isolation intolerance, correlated significantly with the prenatal testosterone marker. The exploratory analysis revealed no link between 2D:4D and responses to the personality trait aggression items or items of anti-social-personality disorder. Our data suggest that prenatal androgen exposure organizes the brain with lasting effects on social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena N Buchholz
- Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Addiction Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, Bristol, United Kingdom . La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland . Institut für Epidemiologie, Biostatistik und Prävention, Hirschengraben, Zurich, Switzerland . Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland . Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christiane Mühle
- Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Addiction Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, Bristol, United Kingdom . La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland . Institut für Epidemiologie, Biostatistik und Prävention, Hirschengraben, Zurich, Switzerland . Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland . Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Addiction Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, Bristol, United Kingdom . La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland . Institut für Epidemiologie, Biostatistik und Prävention, Hirschengraben, Zurich, Switzerland . Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland . Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bernd Lenz
- Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Addiction Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, Bristol, United Kingdom . La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland . Institut für Epidemiologie, Biostatistik und Prävention, Hirschengraben, Zurich, Switzerland . Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland . Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
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11
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Lenz B, Köllner MG, Mühle C, Weinland C, Kornhuber J. Basic Human Body Dimensions Relate to Alcohol Dependence and Predict Hospital Readmission. J Clin Med 2019; 8:E2076. [PMID: 31783685 PMCID: PMC6947550 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8122076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol dependence is a severe mental illness and there is a need for more effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. Translational research suggests that intrauterine sex hormone exposure modulates the risk and course of alcohol dependence during adulthood. During development, sex hormones permanently shape sexually dimorphic body dimensions. Thus, these dimensions may provide insight into sex hormone organization. Here, we compared body measurements (absolute, relative to, and residualized on height) between 200 alcohol-dependent in-patients and 240 age-matched healthy control subjects and investigated how these measurements associate with the patients' prospective 12- and 24-month outcome. The results show that alcohol dependence is related to lower absolute, relative, and residualized body measurements for height and weight, head circumference, bitragion head arc, lip-chin distance, hip, thigh, and calf circumference, and foot length and breadth. In male alcohol-dependent in-patients, higher risk, shorter latency, and more alcohol-related readmissions were predicted by higher absolute, relative, and residualized thigh and calf circumferences. The second-to-fourth finger length ratio, a putative proxy for prenatal sex hormone organization, was not convincingly correlated with the body dimensions, suggesting that the results represent pubertal (or later) effects. The study's findings have implications for further research. The body measurements' high accessibility may facilitate the future transition into clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Lenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.M.); (C.W.); (J.K.)
| | - Martin G. Köllner
- Human Motivation and Affective Neuroscience Lab, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Nägelsbachstraße 49 b, D-91052 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Christiane Mühle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.M.); (C.W.); (J.K.)
| | - Christian Weinland
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.M.); (C.W.); (J.K.)
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.M.); (C.W.); (J.K.)
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12
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Digit ratio (2D:4D) in relation to substance and computer use: a meta-analysis. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2019; 126:623-636. [PMID: 31028478 PMCID: PMC6499759 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-019-02002-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Human studies have reported inconsistent associations between the length ratio of the second finger to the fourth finger (2D:4D), which is a proxy for prenatal androgen load, and substance or computer use in adolescents and adults. This meta-analysis quantifies the magnitude of this relationship and investigates the roles of sex, definition of caseness, different forms of addiction, the hand measured (right hand versus left hand), and other cohort characteristics. Univariate random-effects meta-analyses were performed, and moderators were tested with Bonferroni-corrected meta-regression analyses. The study included 18 independent samples with a total of 175,955 participants (96,316 males and 79,639 females). There was a significant difference in 2D:4D between the substance and computer-using subjects and the controls for the combined sample (Hedge’s g = − 0.178 [− 0.291; − 0.064]) and for males (Hedge’s g = − 0.260 [− 0.399; − 0.122]), but not for females. These effects were amplified when only analyzing studies that compared dependent versus non-dependent subjects (combined sample: g = − 0.325 [− 0.492; − 0.157]; males: g = − 0.427 [− 0.564; − 0.291]), but did not reach significance in the subgroup of studies examining other parameters of substance and computer use. When analyzing different forms of substance and computer use separately, alcohol intake and computer use revealed a significant difference in the standardized mean. Again, the effects were amplified when analyzing the subgroup of males and the subgroup of studies comparing dependent versus non-dependent subjects, with effect sizes showing Hedge’s g values as many as − 0.552 [− 0.785; − 0.319] (alcohol-dependent males). Thus, this meta-analysis confirms that lower 2D:4D is associated with substance and computer dependency. Further studies are encouraged to explore the link between intrauterine hormone environment and addiction risk.
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13
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Tektas OY, Kapsner L, Lemmer M, Bouna-Pyrrou P, Lewczuk P, Lenz B, Kornhuber J. Digit ratio (2D:4D) and academic success as measured by achievement in the academic degree "Habilitation". PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212167. [PMID: 30802262 PMCID: PMC6388918 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Prenatal androgen exposure has important organizing effects on brain development and therefore on future behavior. Previous research has shown, that the ratio between index finger (2D) and ring finger (4D) (2D:4D) could function as a marker of prenatal androgen effects, with a relatively shorter 2D indicating a higher prenatal androgen exposure. 2D:4D is associated with status-seeking and competitive behavior but also with altruism. Therefore, 2D:4D should be related to academic success. Methods We examined the 2D:4D of both hands, as well as the difference between both variables (Dr-l), of 209 university graduates (74 women) employed at the Medical Faculty of the Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany, and we assessed the relationship of these variables with academic career performance. Career performance was measured by the number of publications as first or last author, and by achievement of an academic degree used in many European countries, the so-called “Habilitation”. Results In a within-sex analysis we found a non-monotonic association between the right hand digit ratio and the probability of having a “Habilitation” in females. Academic success, measured by the number of publications as first or last author and the probability of a "Habilitation", increases with age. In agreement with the literature, we found higher academic success in men. Conclusion We found a non-monotonic relationship between right hand 2D:4D and academic success in females. However, the significance of this relationship was weak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozan Yüksel Tektas
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lorenz Kapsner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Miriam Lemmer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Polyxeni Bouna-Pyrrou
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Piotr Lewczuk
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bernd Lenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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14
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Kruger THC, Sinke C, Kneer J, Tenbergen G, Khan AQ, Burkert A, Müller-Engling L, Engler H, Gerwinn H, von Wurmb-Schwark N, Pohl A, Weiß S, Amelung T, Mohnke S, Massau C, Kärgel C, Walter M, Schiltz K, Beier KM, Ponseti J, Schiffer B, Walter H, Jahn K, Frieling H. Child sexual offenders show prenatal and epigenetic alterations of the androgen system. Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:28. [PMID: 30659171 PMCID: PMC6338724 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0326-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Child sexual offending (CSO) places a serious burden on society and medicine and pedophilia (P) is considered a major risk factor for CSO. The androgen system is closely linked to sexual development and behavior. This study assessed markers of prenatal brain androgenization, genetic parameters of androgen receptor function, epigenetic regulation, and peripheral hormones in a 2 × 2 factorial design comprising the factors Offense (yes/no) and Pedophilia (yes/no) in analyzing blood samples from 194 subjects (57 P+CSO, 45 P-CSO, 20 CSO-P, and 72 controls) matched for age and intelligence. Subjects also received a comprehensive clinical screening. Independent of their sexual preference, child sexual offenders showed signs of elevated prenatal androgen exposure compared with non-offending pedophiles and controls. The methylation status of the androgen receptor gene was also higher in child sexual offenders, indicating lower functionality of the testosterone system, accompanied by lower peripheral testosterone levels. In addition, there was an interaction effect on methylation levels between offense status and androgen receptor functionality. Notably, markers of prenatal androgenization and the methylation status of the androgen receptor gene were correlated with the total number of sexual offenses committed. This study demonstrates alterations of the androgen system on a prenatal, epigenetic, and endocrine level. None of the major findings was specific for pedophilia, but they were for CSO. The findings support theories of testosterone-linked abnormalities in early brain development in delinquent behavior and suggest possible interactions of testosterone receptor gene methylation and plasma testosterone with environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tillmann H. C. Kruger
- 0000 0000 9529 9877grid.10423.34Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christopher Sinke
- 0000 0000 9529 9877grid.10423.34Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jonas Kneer
- 0000 0000 9529 9877grid.10423.34Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gilian Tenbergen
- 0000 0000 9529 9877grid.10423.34Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Abdul Qayyum Khan
- 0000 0000 9529 9877grid.10423.34Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Alexandra Burkert
- 0000 0000 9529 9877grid.10423.34Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Linda Müller-Engling
- 0000 0000 9529 9877grid.10423.34Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Harald Engler
- 0000 0001 2187 5445grid.5718.bInstitute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Hannah Gerwinn
- 0000 0001 2153 9986grid.9764.cInstitute of Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Nicole von Wurmb-Schwark
- Forensische Genetik und Rechtsmedizin, am Institut für Hämatopathologie Hamburg GmbH, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Pohl
- 0000 0001 2153 9986grid.9764.cInstitute of Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Simone Weiß
- 0000 0001 2187 5445grid.5718.bInstitute of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Till Amelung
- Institute of Sexology and Sexual Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Mohnke
- Division of Mind and Brain Research, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, CCM, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Massau
- 0000 0004 0490 981Xgrid.5570.7Division of Forensic Psychiatry, Deptartment of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, LWL University Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - Christian Kärgel
- 0000 0004 0490 981Xgrid.5570.7Division of Forensic Psychiatry, Deptartment of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, LWL University Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - Martin Walter
- 0000 0001 1018 4307grid.5807.aDepartment of Psychiatry, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany ,0000 0001 2190 1447grid.10392.39Department of Psychiatry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kolja Schiltz
- 0000 0004 1936 973Xgrid.5252.0Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Klaus M. Beier
- Institute of Sexology and Sexual Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jorge Ponseti
- 0000 0001 2153 9986grid.9764.cInstitute of Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Boris Schiffer
- 0000 0004 0490 981Xgrid.5570.7Division of Forensic Psychiatry, Deptartment of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, LWL University Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - Henrik Walter
- Division of Mind and Brain Research, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, CCM, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kirsten Jahn
- 0000 0000 9529 9877grid.10423.34Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Helge Frieling
- 0000 0000 9529 9877grid.10423.34Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Lenz B, Eichler A, Schwenke E, Buchholz VN, Hartwig C, Moll GH, Reich K, Mühle C, Volz B, Titzmann A, Beckmann MW, Heinrich H, Kornhuber J, Fasching PA. Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction in Pregnancy: an App-Based Programme to Improve the Health of Mothers and Children (MINDFUL/PMI Study). Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2018; 78:1283-1291. [PMID: 30686833 PMCID: PMC6337919 DOI: 10.1055/a-0677-2630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Unfavourable intrauterine environmental factors increase the risk of delivery complications as well as postpartum developmental and behavioural problems in children and adolescents with ongoing effects into older age. Biomarker studies show that maternal stress and the use of alcohol and tobacco during pregnancy are associated with a higher intrauterine testosterone exposure of the child. The antenatal testosterone load, in turn, is a risk factor for lasting adverse health effects which extend into adulthood. A 15-week, mindfulness-oriented, app-based programme for the reduction of stress as well as for the reduction of alcohol and tobacco use in pregnant women is established. In the monocentre, prospective, controlled, and investigator-blinded MINDFUL/PMI (Maternal Health and Infant Development in the Follow-up after Pregnancy and a Mindfulness Intervention) study, pregnant women carry out the programme. Its effect on antenatal testosterone exposure of the child is examined by assessing the index/ring finger length ratio and other biomarkers in the 1-year-old children. In addition, the programmeʼs effects on self-regulation, the developmental status and the mental health of the children at the age of one year will be investigated. Additional aspects of the course of the pregnancy and delivery represent exploratory study objectives. This longitudinal study project is intended to improve the understanding of the impact of intrauterine environmental factors on early childhood development and health. Maternal stress as well as alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy are modifiable factors and represent potential preventive targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Lenz
- Psychiatrische und Psychotherapeutische Klinik, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anna Eichler
- Kinder- und Jugendabteilung für Psychische Gesundheit, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Eva Schwenke
- Frauenklinik, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Verena N Buchholz
- Psychiatrische und Psychotherapeutische Klinik, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Charlotte Hartwig
- Frauenklinik, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gunther H Moll
- Kinder- und Jugendabteilung für Psychische Gesundheit, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Karin Reich
- Psychiatrische und Psychotherapeutische Klinik, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christiane Mühle
- Psychiatrische und Psychotherapeutische Klinik, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Volz
- Frauenklinik, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.,Biostatistics and Data Management Unit, Frauenklinik des Universitätsklinikums Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Adriana Titzmann
- Frauenklinik, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias W Beckmann
- Frauenklinik, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hartmut Heinrich
- Kinder- und Jugendabteilung für Psychische Gesundheit, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.,kbo-Heckscher-Klinikum, München, Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Psychiatrische und Psychotherapeutische Klinik, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter A Fasching
- Frauenklinik, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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16
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OPRM1 A118G and serum β-endorphin interact with sex and digit ratio (2D:4D) to influence risk and course of alcohol dependence. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2018; 28:1418-1428. [PMID: 30322771 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Activation of mesolimbic mu-opioid receptors by their endogenous ligand, β-endorphin, can mediate the rewarding effects of alcohol. However, there is conflicting evidence on the relationship between the mu-opioid receptor (OPRM1) A118G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and alcohol dependence risk. Preclinical evidence suggests that sex and sex hormone-dependent prenatal brain organization may interact with the opioid system to influence alcohol drinking behavior. We genotyped 200 alcohol-dependent patients and 240 healthy individuals for the OPRM1 A118G SNP and measured serum β-endorphin level at recruitment and after acute withdrawal. We then determined the association between these factors and alcohol dependence risk and 24-month outcome in the context of both sex and second-to-fourth digit lengths ratio (2D:4D) - a biomarker of prenatal sex hormone levels. The OPRM1 A118G AA genotype associated with elevated risk of alcohol-related hospital readmission, more readmissions, and fewer days until first readmission in male patients only. After normalizing patient 2D:4D against control 2D:4D, we found that normalized 2D:4D ratios were lower in male 118G patients than male AA patients, suggesting prenatal androgens interact with OPRM1 to influence alcohol dependence risk. In addition, β-endorphin levels after acute withdrawal correlated negatively with withdrawal severity in females but not in males, which may indicate β-endorphin protects against withdrawal-induced stress in a sex-specific manner.
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Lenz B, Bouna-Pyrrou P, Mühle C, Kornhuber J. Low digit ratio (2D:4D) and late pubertal onset indicate prenatal hyperandrogenziation in alcohol binge drinking. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 86:370-378. [PMID: 29499227 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2017] [Revised: 02/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol binge drinking behavior is an important public health issue. Causal rodent and human associational studies show that reinforcement of prenatal androgen signaling increases alcohol consumption in adulthood. However, the effects of prenatal androgen exposure on adult binge drinking patterns have not been investigated yet. METHOD We analyzed data from 2225 participants of an online survey (conducted 06-07/2016) to evaluate biomarkers for prenatal androgen exposure (second-to-fourth finger length ratio [2D:4D], age at spermarche or menarche as hallmark for pubertal onset) in binge drinking (≥1 episode of 15+, 10+, and/or 5+ standard drinks of ~13 g of alcohol within 2 h during the 24 month- and 2 week-recall periods). RESULTS Men reported binge drinking more often than women (ORs > 1.4, P < .001). For the 24 month-recall period, binge drinkers showed lower 2D:4D (P = .006) and reported later pubertal onset (P = .022) than non-binge drinkers. These findings consistently suggest excess prenatal androgen exposure in adult binge drinkers. Moreover, 2D:4D was negatively associated with severity (15+/10+/5+/non-binge drinking, P = .005) and frequency of binge drinking episodes (P = .044). All of these effects were stronger in men than in women. For the 2 week-recall period, the biomarkers were not significantly related to binge drinking behavior. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that increased prenatal androgen exposure is involved in the development of alcohol binge drinking behavior in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Lenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany.
| | - Polyxeni Bouna-Pyrrou
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany
| | - Christiane Mühle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany
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18
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Lenz B, Röther M, Bouna-Pyrrou P, Mühle C, Tektas OY, Kornhuber J. The androgen model of suicide completion. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 172:84-103. [PMID: 29886148 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2017] [Revised: 09/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Suicide is a devastating public health issue that imposes severe psychological, social, and economic burdens not only for the individuals but also for their relatives, friends, clinicians, and the general public. Among the different suicidal behaviors, suicide completion is the worst and the most relevant outcome. The knowledge of biological etiopathological mechanisms involved in suicide completion is limited. Hitherto, no objective markers, either alone or in combination, can reliably predict who will complete a suicide. However, such parameters are strongly needed to establish and optimize prediction and prevention. We introduce here a novel ideation-to-completion framework in suicide research and discuss the problems of studies aiming at identifying and validating clinically useful markers. The male gender is a specific risk factor for suicide, which suggests that androgen effects are implicated in the transition from suicidal ideation to suicide completion. We present multiple lines of direct and indirect evidence showing that both an increased prenatal androgen load (with subsequent permanent neuroadaptations) and increased adult androgen activity are involved in suicide completion. We also review data arguing that modifiable maternal behavioral traits during pregnancy contribute to the offspring's prenatal androgen load and increase the risk for suicide completion later in life. We conclude that in utero androgen exposure and adult androgen levels facilitate suicide completion in an synergistic manner. The androgen model of suicide completion provides the basis for the development of novel predictive and preventive strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Lenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany.
| | - Mareike Röther
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany
| | - Polyxeni Bouna-Pyrrou
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany
| | - Christiane Mühle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany
| | - Ozan Y Tektas
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany
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19
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Huber SE, Zoicas I, Reichel M, Mühle C, Büttner C, Ekici AB, Eulenburg V, Lenz B, Kornhuber J, Müller CP. Prenatal androgen receptor activation determines adult alcohol and water drinking in a sex-specific way. Addict Biol 2018; 23:904-920. [PMID: 28776866 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorders are major psychiatric disorders. Correlational studies in humans suggested organizational hormonal effects during embryonic development as a risk factor for adult alcohol dependence. Permanent changes can be induced by the activity of sex hormones, like testosterone. Here, we demonstrate a relationship between prenatal androgen receptor (AR)-activation and adult alcohol as well as water drinking in mice in a sex-dependent fashion. Prenatal AR inhibition using the antagonist flutamide decreased adult male alcohol consumption. In contrast, prenatal AR activation by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) led to an increase in adult alcohol consumption in females. These effects were different in adult water drinking, flutamide increased water consumption in females and DHT increased water consumption in males. Prenatal flutamide reduced locomotion and anxiety in adult males but was ineffective in females. We found that prenatal AR activation controls adult levels of monoaminergic modulatory transmitters in the brain and blood hormone levels in a sex-specific way. RNA-Seq analysis confirmed a prenatal AR mediated control of adult expression of alcohol drinking-related genes like Bdnf and Per2. These findings demonstrate that prenatal androgen activity is a risk factor for the establishment of alcohol consumption in adults by its organizational effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine E. Huber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg; Germany
| | - Iulia Zoicas
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg; Germany
| | - Martin Reichel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg; Germany
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension; Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg; Germany
| | - Christiane Mühle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg; Germany
| | - Christian Büttner
- Institute of Human Genetics; Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg; Germany
| | - Arif B. Ekici
- Institute of Human Genetics; Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg; Germany
| | - Volker Eulenburg
- Institute of Biochemistry; Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg; Germany
| | - Bernd Lenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg; Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg; Germany
| | - Christian P. Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg; Germany
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20
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Eichler A, Heinrich H, Moll GH, Beckmann MW, Goecke TW, Fasching PA, Muschler MR, Bouna-Pyrrou P, Lenz B, Kornhuber J. Digit ratio (2D:4D) and behavioral symptoms in primary-school aged boys. Early Hum Dev 2018; 119:1-7. [PMID: 29486372 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2018.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The second-to-forth digit length ratio (2D:4D) is considered to be a biomarker for intrauterine androgen levels. It is associated with adult and child mental health problems, primarily with behavioral symptoms and predominantly in males. Using a cross-sectional design, we examined whether 2D:4D was associated with conduct disorder (CD) symptoms in 138 primary-school aged children (54% boys, Mage = 7.70 years) and considered child sex as a moderating factor. Children's digit lengths were measured from hand scans and mothers rated the behavioral/emotional symptoms of their child. The regression analyses revealed that 2D:4D ratios were associated with behavioral symptoms in boys (β = -0.260, p = 0.026), but not in girls (β = -0.040, p = 0.762). Child emotional symptoms, analyzed as a control, were not significantly correlated with 2D:4D. In conclusion, prenatal brain hyperandrogenization - operationalized by the 2D:4D biomarker - could result in behavioral symptoms in boys at early school age, reflecting one predictor for early onset CD. Our data support the use of 2D:4D as a marker of prenatal androgen exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Eichler
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6+10, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Hartmut Heinrich
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6+10, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; kbo-Heckscher-Klinikum, Deisenhofener Str. 28, 81539 München, Germany
| | - Gunther H Moll
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6+10, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias W Beckmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsstraße 21-23, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tamme W Goecke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsstraße 21-23, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; Department of Perinatal Medicine and Obstetrics, RoMed Hospital Rosenheim, Pettenkoferstraße 10, 83022 Rosenheim, Germany
| | - Peter A Fasching
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsstraße 21-23, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marcel-René Muschler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Polyxeni Bouna-Pyrrou
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bernd Lenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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21
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Kim YJ, Roh D, Lee SK, Canan F, Potenza MN. Factors Statistically Predicting At-Risk/Problematic Internet Use in a Sample of Young Adolescent Boys and Girls in South Korea. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:351. [PMID: 30131728 PMCID: PMC6090057 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims: This study aimed to investigate in a gender-sensitive manner factors related to at-risk/problematic Internet use (ARPIU) in a sample of young Korean adolescents. Given prior findings, we hypothesized we would observe specific temperamental, social and biological measures that would statistically predict ARPIU in boys and girls, respectively. Method: Subjects included 653 middle-school students from Chuncheon, Korea who completed measures assessing Internet addiction, mood, temperament, and social interactions. Finger digit (2D:4D) ratios were also assessed. Chi-square and logistic regression models were conducted. Results: Among boys and girls, the ARPIU and non-ARPIU groups showed differences in temperament, mood, social tendencies, and gaming behaviors. In boys, IAT correlated inversely with the 2D:4D digit ratio and novelty-seeking and positively with reward-dependence scores when controlling for BDI scores; these relationships were not found in girls. Multivariate analyses showed that among boys, novelty-seeking, harm avoidance, self-transcendence, and daily time spent gaming statistically predicted ARPIU. Among girls, daily time spent gaming, number of best friends, self-directedness, and cooperation statistically predicted ARPIU. Conclusion: ARPIU was linked to specific temperamental, behavioral and biological characteristics, with specific relationships observed in boys and girls. Specific risk factors may exist for boys and girls with respect to their propensities to developing ARPIU, suggesting the need for gender-sensitive approaches to prevent ARPIU in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon-Jung Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chuncheon National Hospital, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Daeyoung Roh
- Mind-Neuromodulation Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Hallym University Medical Center, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Sang-Kyu Lee
- Mind-Neuromodulation Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Hallym University Medical Center, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Fatih Canan
- Department of Psychiatry, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States.,Neuroscience and Child Study, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States.,National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA Columbia), Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States.,Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, United States.,Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, CT, United States.,The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, CT, United States
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22
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Huber SE, Lenz B, Kornhuber J, Müller CP. Prenatal androgen-receptor activity has organizational morphological effects in mice. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188752. [PMID: 29176856 PMCID: PMC5703447 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal sex hormones exert organizational effects. It has been suggested that prenatal sex hormones affect adult morphological parameters, such as the finger length. Especially the second-to-fourth finger length (2D:4D) ratio has been implicated to be modified when exposed to higher androgen levels in utero. Here we show in a mouse model that experimental manipulation of the prenatal androgen level, by blocking the androgen receptor with flutamide or activating the androgen receptor with dihydrotestosterone (DHT), leads to changes in the length of the fingers of all paws in males and females. In addition to that, also total paw length and the 2D:4D ratio was affected. In males treated with DHT, the 2D:4D ratio was increased, while flutamide-treatment in females led to a reduced 2D:4D ratio. We also measured other parameters, such as head size, body length and tail length and demonstrate that body morphology is affected by prenatal androgen exposure with more prominent effects in females. Another factor that is thought to be influenced by early androgens is handedness. We tested mice for handedness, but did not find a significant effect of the prenatal treatment. These findings demonstrate that prenatal androgen activity is involved in the development of body morphology and might be a useful marker for prenatal androgen exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine E. Huber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bernd Lenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian P. Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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23
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Lenz B, Kornhuber J. Cross-national gender variations of digit ratio (2D:4D) correlate with life expectancy, suicide rate, and other causes of death. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2017; 125:239-246. [PMID: 29164314 PMCID: PMC5775375 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-017-1815-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The second-to-fourth finger length ratio (2D:4D) is an indication of prenatal sex hormone exposure, and has sex-specifically been associated with several lethal illnesses including ischemic heart disease, diverse cancers, and suicide. Our primary aim was to verify that 2D:4D sex-specifically relates to life expectancy and suicide numbers on a national level (23 countries). We also used a hypothesis-free approach to investigate associations with other causes of death [p value adjustment for multiple hypothesis testing using the false discovery rate procedure (FDR)]. All parameters were normalized to the national mean (of males and females) and analyzed across nations. Normalized male 2D:4D correlated positively with normalized male life expectancy (at birth, r = 0.46, p = 0.029; at the age of 60, r = 0.44, p = 0.038) and negatively with normalized male suicide rates (r = − 0.49, p = 0.017). In the exploratory analyses, the normalized male 2D:4D values were negatively associated with the normalized male deaths rates from communicable, maternal, perinatal, and nutritional conditions [r = − 0.65, p(FDR) = 0.011], respiratory infections [r = − 0.69, p(FDR) = 0.008], asthma [r = − 0.65, p(FDR) = 0.011], neurological conditions [r = − 0.56, p(FDR) = 0.046], and Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias [r = − 0.59, p(FDR) = 0.036]. The normalized female parameters showed the same cross-national correlations. In line with the previous individual level findings, the results suggest that prenatal sex hormone effects are sex-specifically involved in suicide and neurological conditions. Moreover, we provide novel national level evidence that prenatal sex hormone priming may sex-specifically influence life expectancy and death risk from respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Lenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
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24
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Cicek IE, Cicek E, Demirel B, Ayhan MG, Varsak N, Özbek SY, Selçuk M, Eren I. Digit ratio (2D:4D), impulsiveness and aggression in male heroin addicts: A prospective controlled study. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2017.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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25
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Yokoi T, Uemura T, Kazuki K, Onode E, Shintani K, Okada M, Nakamura H. Low second to fourth digit ratio in Dupuytren disease. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e7801. [PMID: 28816972 PMCID: PMC5571709 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000007801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The ratio of the lengths of the second and fourth digits (2D:4D) has been described as reflecting endogenous prenatal androgen exposure. In general, 2D:4D is lower in men than in women and has potential as a biomarker or predictor for various diseases, athletic ability, and academic performance. Dupuytren disease has digital flexion contractures and is known to predominate in men, but the pathogenesis of the disease remains unclear. To clarify the relationships between Dupuytren disease and endogenous androgens, we performed a retrospective analysis of hand radiographs to investigate 2D:4D in Dupuytren disease. The study included male patients with Dupuytren disease (n = 22) and a control group (n = 18) of male patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Only unaffected hands, without contractures or osteoarthritis, were evaluated for the purpose of radiographic assessment. The lengths of the phalanx and metacarpal bones in the second and fourth digits were measured by 2 independent observers who each performed 2 sets of measurements separated by a minimum 1-week interval. The 2D:4D was calculated separately for the phalanges and metacarpals, and a combined (phalanx + metacarpal) 2D:4D was also calculated. The reliability of the observer measurements was established using the intraclass correlation coefficient, and both the intra- and interobserver reliability showed excellent agreement. We found that compared with control group, the Dupuytren disease group had significantly lower phalanx and combined 2D:4D. These findings suggest that endogenous prenatal androgens could contribute to the development of Dupuytren disease, leading to its characteristic clinical presentation predominantly in men and affecting the ulnar rays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Yokoi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka
| | - Takuya Uemura
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka
| | | | - Ema Onode
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka
| | - Kosuke Shintani
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka
| | - Mitsuhiro Okada
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka
| | - Hiroaki Nakamura
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka
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26
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Lenz B, Mühle C, Braun B, Weinland C, Bouna-Pyrrou P, Behrens J, Kubis S, Mikolaiczik K, Muschler MR, Saigali S, Sibach M, Tanovska P, Huber SE, Hoppe U, Eichler A, Heinrich H, Moll GH, Engel A, Goecke TW, Beckmann MW, Fasching PA, Müller CP, Kornhuber J. Prenatal and adult androgen activities in alcohol dependence. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2017; 136:96-107. [PMID: 28383757 DOI: 10.1111/acps.12725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alcohol dependence is more prevalent in men than in women. The evidence for how prenatal and adult androgens influence alcohol dependence is limited. We investigated the effects of prenatal and adult androgen activity on alcohol dependence. Moreover, we studied how the behaviours of pregnant women affect their children's prenatal androgen load. METHOD We quantified prenatal androgen markers (e.g., second-to-fourth finger length ratio [2D : 4D]) and blood androgens in 200 early-abstinent alcohol-dependent in-patients and 240 controls (2013-2015, including a 12-month follow-up). We also surveyed 134 women during pregnancy (2005-2007) and measured the 2D : 4D of their children (2013-2016). RESULTS The prenatal androgen loads were higher in the male alcohol-dependent patients compared to the controls (lower 2D : 4D, P = 0.004) and correlated positively with the patients' liver transaminase activities (P < 0.001) and alcohol withdrawal severity (P = 0.019). Higher prenatal androgen loads and increasing androgen levels during withdrawal predicted earlier and more frequent 12-month hospital readmission in alcohol-dependent patients (P < 0.005). Moreover, stress levels (P = 0.002), alcohol (P = 0.010) and tobacco consumption (P = 0.017), and lifetime stressors (P = 0.019) of women during pregnancy related positively to their children's prenatal androgen loads (lower 2D : 4D). CONCLUSION Androgen activities in alcohol-dependent patients and behaviours of pregnant women represent novel preventive and therapeutic targets of alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Lenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - C Mühle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - B Braun
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - C Weinland
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - P Bouna-Pyrrou
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - J Behrens
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - S Kubis
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - K Mikolaiczik
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - M-R Muschler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - S Saigali
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - M Sibach
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - P Tanovska
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - S E Huber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - U Hoppe
- Department of Audiology, ENT Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - A Eichler
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - H Heinrich
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.,kbo-Heckscher-Klinikum, Munich, Germany
| | - G H Moll
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - A Engel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - T W Goecke
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Perinatal Medicine and Obstetrics, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - M W Beckmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - P A Fasching
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - C P Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - J Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
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27
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Canan F, Karaca S, Düzgün M, Erdem AM, Karaçaylı E, Topan NB, Lee SK, Zhai ZW, Kuloğlu M, Potenza MN. The relationship between second-to-fourth digit (2D:4D) ratios and problematic and pathological Internet use among Turkish university students. J Behav Addict 2017; 6:30-41. [PMID: 28358645 PMCID: PMC5573004 DOI: 10.1556/2006.6.2017.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims The ratio of the second and fourth fingers (2D:4D ratio) is a sexually dimorphic trait, with men tending to have lower values than women. This ratio has been related to prenatal testosterone concentrations and addictive behaviors including problematic video-gaming. We aimed to investigate the possible association between 2D:4D ratios and Internet addiction and whether such a relationship would be independent of impulsivity. Methods A total of 652 university students (369 women, 283 men), aged 17-27 years, were enrolled in the study. Problematic and pathological Internet use (PPIU) was assessed using the Internet Addiction Test (IAT). The participants also completed the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (version 11; BIS-11) and had their 2D:4D ratios measured. Results 2D:4D ratios were not significantly different in women with PPIU and in those with adaptive Internet use (AIU). Men with PPIU exhibited lower 2D:4D ratios on both hands when compared with those with AIU. Correlation analysis revealed that 2D:4D ratios on both hands were negatively correlated with IAT scores among men, but not among women. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age, duration of weekly Internet use, impulsiveness, and 2D:4D ratios on the right hand were independently associated with IAT scores among men, and impulsivity did not mediate the relationship between 2D:4D ratios and PPIU. Conclusions For men, 2D:4D ratios on the right hand were inversely correlated with Internet addiction severity even after controlling for individual differences in impulsivity. These findings suggest that high prenatal testosterone levels may contribute to the occurrence of PPIU among men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatih Canan
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of
Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA,Corresponding author: Fatih Canan; Department of
Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Phone: +1 203
8922744; Fax: +1 203 9747366; E-mail:
| | - Servet Karaca
- Department of Psychiatry, Akdeniz
University School of Medicine, Antalya,
Turkey
| | - Melike Düzgün
- Akdeniz University School of
Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
| | | | | | | | - Sang-Kyu Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Hallym
University Medical Center, Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital,
Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Zu Wei Zhai
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of
Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Murat Kuloğlu
- Department of Psychiatry, Akdeniz
University School of Medicine, Antalya,
Turkey
| | - Marc N. Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of
Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA,The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse,
Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT,
USA,The Connecticut Mental Health
Center, New Haven, CT, USA,Department of Neuroscience and Child Study Center,
Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT,
USA
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Lenz B, Thiem D, Bouna-Pyrrou P, Mühle C, Stoessel C, Betz P, Kornhuber J. Low digit ratio (2D:4D) in male suicide victims. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2016; 123:1499-1503. [PMID: 27565149 PMCID: PMC5110632 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-016-1608-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Although women attempt suicides equally or more often than men do, men are more likely to die of suicide than women (sex paradox of suicidal behavior). Furthermore, the male traits of aggression and impulsivity predict suicide completion. Here, we studied the second-to-fourth-finger length ratio (2D:4D), a proxy for prenatal androgen exposure, in 46 suicide corpses and 25 non-suicide corpses. We report significantly lower 2D:4D in male suicide corpses than non-suicide corpses (p = .030, partial η 2 = .147). There was no significant association between 2D:4D and the suicide method. Our findings indicate increased risk of suicide following higher prenatal androgen exposure in males. The results may improve future efforts to predict and prevent suicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Lenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Daniela Thiem
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.,Institute for Legal Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Polyxeni Bouna-Pyrrou
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christiane Mühle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christina Stoessel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter Betz
- Institute for Legal Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
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Mendes PHC, Barbosa CR, da Silva MTME, Paranaíba LMR, Martelli DRB, de Barros LM, Swerts MSO, Silveira MF, Júnior HM. Association Between Hand Digit Ratio (2D:4D) and Nonsyndromic Orofacial Clefts. Cleft Palate Craniofac J 2016; 54:595-601. [PMID: 27148640 DOI: 10.1597/15-266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Digit ratio (2D:4D) has been considered to be a marker in studies evaluating an individual's susceptibility to diseases, especially those diseases that show sex differences in their occurrence. We aimed to assess whether 2D:4D ratios are associated with nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P) and verify the existence of a specific pattern of 2D:4D ratio in individuals affected by orofacial clefts. DESIGN This was a case-control study. METHODS Digital measurements of index and ring finger lengths of both hands of patients with NSCL/P (n = 54) and age- and gender-matched controls (n = 54) were obtained using a digital vernier caliper. Mean ratios between the second and fourth digits were compared. Data were analyzed by Student's t test and Mann-Whitney test with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS No significant difference was found between the mean digit ratios of the right and left hands between the groups for any analysis (P > .05), neither for the whole sample nor for the distributions by type of cleft and by gender. CONCLUSIONS Although the development of the fingers and the occurrence of NSCL/P can be regulated by the actions of similar genes, our results are not consistent with an association between 2D:4D ratio and this craniofacial deformity. This suggests that intrauterine exposure to fetal androgens, assessed using this marker, is similar between patients with NSCL/P and healthy individuals. We highlight the need for further studies in populations with different ancestries.
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Han C, Bae H, Lee YS, Won SD, Kim DJ. The Ratio of 2nd to 4th Digit Length in Korean Alcohol-dependent Patients. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE 2016; 14:148-52. [PMID: 27121425 PMCID: PMC4857862 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2016.14.2.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Revised: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective The ratio of 2nd to 4th digit length (2D:4D) is a sexually dimorphic trait. Men have a relatively shorter second digit than fourth digit. This ratio is thought to be influenced by higher prenatal testosterone level or greater sensitivity to androgen. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between alcohol dependence and 2D:4D in a Korean sample and whether 2D:4D can be a biologic marker in alcohol dependence. Methods In this study, we recruited 87 male patients with alcohol dependence from the alcohol center of one psychiatric hospital and 52 healthy male volunteers who were all employees in the same hospital as controls. We captured images of the right and left hands of patients and controls using a scanner and extracted data with a graphics program. We measured the 2D:4D of each hand and compared the alcohol dependence group with the control group. We analyzed these ratios using an independent-samples t-test. Results The mean 2D:4D of patients was 0.934 (right hand) and 0.942 (left hand), while the mean 2D:4D of controls was 0.956 (right hand) and 0.958 (left hand). Values for both hands were significantly lower for patients than controls (p<0.001, right hand; p=0.004, left hand). Conclusion Patients who are alcohol dependent have a significantly lower 2D:4D than controls, similar to the results of previous studies, which suggest that a higher prenatal testosterone level in the gonadal period is related to alcoholism. Furthermore, 2D:4D is a possible predictive marker of alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changwoo Han
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea
| | - Hwallip Bae
- Department of Psychiatry, Myongji Hospital, College of Medicine, Seonam University, Goyang, Korea
| | | | - Sung-Doo Won
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea
| | - Dai Jin Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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Koch R, Haßlmeyer E, Tantinger D, Rulsch M, Weigand C, Struck M. Development and implementation of algorithms for automatic and robust measurement of the 2D:4D digit ratio using image data. CURRENT DIRECTIONS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2015. [DOI: 10.1515/cdbme-2015-0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Early in the 20th century it could be observed that the finger lengths of second (2D) and fourth digit (4D) represents a sexually dimorphic feature, whereby in general the second digit is longer than the fourth digit for men and vice versa for women. In the early 1980s first studies could show a correlation between the 2D:4D ratio and the concentration of androgens one is exposed to during a short window within the prenatal development phase. Therefore, the 2D:4D digit ratio can serve as an additional marker for certain physiological and psychological traits like fertility, assertiveness, aggressiveness and alcohol addiction. Manual measurements are the established method to retrieve the finger lengths e.g. by using a ruler on printed scans of hands. For higher reliability these extremely time-consuming procedures have to be done multiple times. In this contribution two automated procedures are proposed to reduce the time for measurements whilst maintaining the accuracy. A deviation of maximal 2% from the manual measurement could be achieved for more than 75% of the 22 participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Koch
- Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS, Germany
| | - Erik Haßlmeyer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS, Germany
| | | | - Martin Rulsch
- Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS, Germany
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Sudhakar HH, Manjunatha R, Madhusudhana HR. Relationship Between Second to Fourth Digit Ratios and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Aging Men. J Clin Diagn Res 2015; 9:PC01-3. [PMID: 26155515 DOI: 10.7860/jcdr/2015/11992.5937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common prostate disease, characterized by benign enlargement of the prostate gland in aging men. Testosterone is said to be the major factor in development of BPH. The relative length of 2nd and 4th digit (2D:4D) is a marker for prenatal androgen exposure. A low 2D:4D ratio is associated with a high prenatal androgen exposure. The main objective of this study was to assess the causal relationship between the 2D:4D ratio and incidence of BPH. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty five patients with BPH were compared with 35 non BPH subjects and 35 controls recruited from general population for measures of 2D:4D ratio. BPH status was determined by clinical & radiological evaluation. Both hands of all the participants were scanned and their second and fourth digit lengths were measured and the ratio calculated. RESULTS In the present study, 2D:4D ratio was lower in BPH patients compared to non BPH subjects in both hands. Compared with controls, BPH patients had lower 2D:4D ratio in the right hand, but the difference between the groups in left hand 2D:4D ratios was not significant. Compared with controls, non BPH subjects had higher 2D:4D ratio in the left hand, but the difference between the groups in right hand 2D:4D ratios was not significant. CONCLUSION Results of the present study indicate that individuals with lower 2D:4D ratios are at a higher risk of developing BPH and those with higher 2D:4D ratios are at a lower risk of developing BPH compared to the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Revanna Manjunatha
- Post-graduate cum tutor, Department of Pharmacology, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences , Banashankari 2nd Stage, Bangalore, India
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Bouna-Pyrrou P, Mühle C, Kornhuber J, Lenz B. Internet gaming disorder, social network disorder and laterality: handedness relates to pathological use of social networks. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2015; 122:1187-96. [PMID: 25576300 PMCID: PMC4513228 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-014-1361-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Accepted: 12/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The internet age bears new challenges that include health risks. It is agreed that excessive internet use may reach pathological levels. However, the concept of internet addiction lacks specificity and, therefore, warrants studies on its diagnostic and etiologic classification. This study was conducted to characterize the novel DSM-5 criteria for internet gaming disorder and the adapted criteria for the “social network disorder”. Based on the established association of handedness and substance use disorders, we also explored whether internet use related to laterality. For this study, 3,287 volunteers participated in the online survey and gave particulars concerning their internet use in general, internet gaming and use of social networks, laterality markers (hand, foot, eye, ear, rotational preference in gymnastics, and head turning asymmetry) and health status. Of the participants, 1.1 % fulfilled the criteria for internet gaming disorder, and 1.8 % fulfilled the criteria for social network disorder. The applied criteria were highly correlated with the time spent on the respective internet activities (p < 4 × 10−56). The analyses of comorbidity and working hours support the thresholds of 5/9 criteria and ≥30 h/week spent on the internet for the classification as pathological (p < 5 × 10−2). Moreover, we found that left-handedness related to more affirmed criteria and longer times spent on social networks (p ≤ 4 × 10−2). The provided criteria proved to be user-friendly, comprehensible and well accepted. The results contribute to a better understanding of pathological internet gaming and social network use and provide evidence that biological markers of substance use disorders are involved in internet addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polyxeni Bouna-Pyrrou
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6-10, 91054, Erlangen, Germany,
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Borkowska B, Pawlowski B. Recreational Drug Use and Fluctuating Asymmetry: Testing the Handicap Principle. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1177/147470491401200407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Zahavi's handicap principle suggests that only organisms with good genetic quality can afford to engage in costly behaviors. Recreational drug use can be harmful to one's health and therefore might be viewed as a costly signal of one's genetic quality. One of the measurements of genetic quality is bodily symmetry assessed by fluctuating asymmetry. If unhealthy drug use is a behavioral example of Zahavi's handicap principle, then men who use different stimulants or recreational drugs should be more symmetrical than men who do not use them at all or use them only in low quantity. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between drug use and fluctuating asymmetry. The subjects were 190 young women and 202 young men. Six bilaterally symmetrical traits were measured: length of II–V digits, wrist breadth, and ear height. Questionnaires included questions about smoking, alcohol drinking, drug use, and designer drug use. There was no relationship between bodily symmetry and smoking frequency, alcohol drinking frequency, drug or designer drug use, total substance use, age of smoking initiation, or reason of this initiation. The results indicate that drug use does not reflect genetic quality and does not necessarily relate to the handicap hypothesis.
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35
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Sudhakar HH, Majumdar P, Umesh V, Panda K. Second to fourth digit ratio is a predictor of sporting ability in elite Indian male kabaddi players. Asian J Sports Med 2014; 5:e23073. [PMID: 25520769 PMCID: PMC4267485 DOI: 10.5812/asjsm.23073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2013] [Accepted: 02/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine the 2D:4D ratio in elite Indian male kabaddi players and compare them with non-athletes. OBJECTIVES Our study was undertaken to find out a possible relation between digit ratio and sporting ability of male kabaddi players. This study also gives an insight into the possible ethnic differences between Indian sports personnel and other populations. PATIENTS AND METHODS Both right and left hands of 33 male kabaddi players attending training camp at the Bangalore regional centre of Sports Authority of India were scanned. Lengths of second and fourth digits were measured and their ratio calculated. Age, weight, height and body mass index matched subjects (25 males) who did not participate in any sports formed the control group. RESULTS A highly significant difference was found in 2D:4D ratios of both the hands with Kabaddi players having a lower ratio compared to their controls. There was no statistically significant difference in 2D:4D (Δ r-l) between Kabaddi players and controls. CONCLUSIONS Kabaddi is an intermediate sport not requiring a high level of endurance but at the same time requires masculine traits because of combating nature of the game. 2D:4D ratios can be used as reliable additional criteria when screening for prospective players to be inducted into the team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honnamachanahalli H. Sudhakar
- Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, India
- Corresponding author: Honnamachanahalli H. Sudhakar, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, India. Tel: +91-8026712791, Fax: +91-8026712798, E-mail:
| | | | - Veena Umesh
- Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Kaninika Panda
- Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, India
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Borkowska B, Pawlowski B. Recreational drug use and fluctuating asymmetry: testing the handicap principle. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY 2014; 12:769-82. [PMID: 25300053 PMCID: PMC10524073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 06/15/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Zahavi's handicap principle suggests that only organisms with good genetic quality can afford to engage in costly behaviors. Recreational drug use can be harmful to one's health and therefore might be viewed as a costly signal of one's genetic quality. One of the measurements of genetic quality is bodily symmetry assessed by fluctuating asymmetry. If unhealthy drug use is a behavioral example of Zahavi's handicap principle, then men who use different stimulants or recreational drugs should be more symmetrical than men who do not use them at all or use them only in low quantity. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between drug use and fluctuating asymmetry. The subjects were 190 young women and 202 young men. Six bilaterally symmetrical traits were measured: length of II-V digits, wrist breadth, and ear height. Questionnaires included questions about smoking, alcohol drinking, drug use, and designer drug use. There was no relationship between bodily symmetry and smoking frequency, alcohol drinking frequency, drug or designer drug use, total substance use, age of smoking initiation, or reason of this initiation. The results indicate that drug use does not reflect genetic quality and does not necessarily relate to the handicap hypothesis.
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37
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Zhu YK, Li CB, Jin J, Wang JJ, Lachmann B, Sariyska R, Montag C. The 2D:4D ratio of the hand and schizotypal personality traits in schizophrenia patients and healthy control persons. Asian J Psychiatr 2014; 9:67-72. [PMID: 24813040 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2014.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Revised: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal estrogen/testosterone exposure is known to be involved in early brain development. In this context, the ratio of the index finger to ring finger length (2D:4D) has been put forward as an indicator of the intrauterine sex hormonal level. A previous study by Collinson et al. (2010) examined 2D:4D ratios in Asian patients with schizophrenia and found an increased 2D:4D pattern in male patients compared to male healthy controls. In the current study, we tried to replicate the result of this study on the 2D:4D ratio in schizophrenia patients and controls in a Chinese sample. Moreover, we investigated the link between 2D:4D ratios and schizotypal personality traits in the participants of the study. No significant difference between cases and controls in 2D:4D ratios for both hands could be observed. However, a positive association between right 2D:4D ratio and schizotypal personality traits was found in healthy controls (both in the male and female subsamples) suggesting that a high 2D:4D ratio could represent a vulnerability factor for schizophrenia in healthy males and females. Same results were observed for the digit ratio of the left hand and the SPQ in the healthy total and healthy female subsample. Therefore, the inclusion of personality measures to study the link between the digit ratio and schizophrenia might help to provide insights in a potential continuum from healthy to schizophrenic behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Kang Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Wan Ping Nan Road 600, 200030 Shanghai, China
| | - Chun-Bo Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Wan Ping Nan Road 600, 200030 Shanghai, China.
| | - Jin Jin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Wan Ping Nan Road 600, 200030 Shanghai, China
| | - Ji-Jun Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Wan Ping Nan Road 600, 200030 Shanghai, China
| | - Bernd Lachmann
- Department of Psychology, University of Bonn, Kaiser-Karl-Ring 9, 53111 Bonn, Germany
| | - Rayna Sariyska
- Department of Psychology, University of Bonn, Kaiser-Karl-Ring 9, 53111 Bonn, Germany
| | - Christian Montag
- Department of Psychology, University of Bonn, Kaiser-Karl-Ring 9, 53111 Bonn, Germany; Center for Economics and Neuroscience, University of Bonn, Germany.
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Kornhuber J, Zenses EM, Lenz B, Stoessel C, Bouna-Pyrrou P, Rehbein F, Kliem S, Mößle T. Low 2D:4D values are associated with video game addiction. PLoS One 2013; 8:e79539. [PMID: 24236143 PMCID: PMC3827365 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgen-dependent signaling regulates the growth of the fingers on the human hand during embryogenesis. A higher androgen load results in lower 2D:4D (second digit to fourth digit) ratio values. Prenatal androgen exposure also impacts brain development. 2D:4D values are usually lower in males and are viewed as a proxy of male brain organization. Here, we quantified video gaming behavior in young males. We found lower mean 2D:4D values in subjects who were classified according to the CSAS-II as having at-risk/addicted behavior (n = 27) compared with individuals with unproblematic video gaming behavior (n = 27). Thus, prenatal androgen exposure and a hyper-male brain organization, as represented by low 2D:4D values, are associated with problematic video gaming behavior. These results may be used to improve the diagnosis, prediction, and prevention of video game addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Zenses
- Criminological Research Institute of Lower Saxony, Hanover, Germany
| | - Bernd Lenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Christina Stoessel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Polyxeni Bouna-Pyrrou
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Florian Rehbein
- Criminological Research Institute of Lower Saxony, Hanover, Germany
| | - Sören Kliem
- Criminological Research Institute of Lower Saxony, Hanover, Germany
| | - Thomas Mößle
- Criminological Research Institute of Lower Saxony, Hanover, Germany
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Romero-Martínez Á, Lila M, Sariñana-González P, González-Bono E, Moya-Albiol L. High testosterone levels and sensitivity to acute stress in perpetrators of domestic violence with low cognitive flexibility and impairments in their emotional decoding process: a preliminary study. Aggress Behav 2013; 39:355-69. [PMID: 23677518 DOI: 10.1002/ab.21490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Hormonal and neuropsychological impairment in intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators could play a role in domestic violence. For characterizing whether there is a specific psychobiological response to stress, participants who had previously been jailed for IPV and controls were compared for testosterone and cortisol levels, tested for 2D:4D ratio (as an indicator of masculinization), and given several trait questionnaires and neuropsychological tests related to executive functions and theory of mind. After performing the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), IPV perpetrators experienced decreases in salivary testosterone (T) levels, a moderate worsening of mood, slight anxiety, and a salivary cortisol (C) level increase. Moreover, high basal T was related with high levels of anger and anxiety and worse mood. However, that basal mood does not significantly alter T levels in response to stress. Nonetheless, controls experienced smaller changes in T and larger changes in C and psychological mood. With respect to neuropsychological and cognitive empathic features, IPV perpetrators showed poorer executive performance and emotional recognition than controls. In addition, deficits in both neuropsychological domains were positively associated. Regarding emotional empathy, IPV perpetrators showed higher levels of personal distress than controls. The 2D:4D ratio was lower in IPV perpetrators than in controls. Moreover, only in the former a smaller 2D:4D ratio was related to large increases in T in response to stress and poor emotional recognition. Together with social aspects involved in IPV, differences in psychobiological variables and their relationships could play a relevant role in the onset and perpetuation of violent behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marisol Lila
- Department of Social Psychology; University of Valencia; Valencia; Spain
| | | | | | - Luis Moya-Albiol
- Psychobiology Department; University of Valencia; Valencia; Spain
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Romero-Martínez Á, Lila M, Catalá-Miñana A, Williams RK, Moya-Albiol L. The contribution of childhood parental rejection and early androgen exposure to impairments in socio-cognitive skills in intimate partner violence perpetrators with high alcohol consumption. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 10:3753-70. [PMID: 23965927 PMCID: PMC3774467 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10083753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Revised: 08/05/2013] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol consumption, a larger history of childhood parental rejection, and high prenatal androgen exposure have been linked with facilitation and high risk of recidivism in intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators. Participants were distributed into two groups according to their alcohol consumption scores as high (HA) and low (LA). HA presented a higher history of childhood parental rejection, prenatal masculinization (smaller 2D:4D ratio), and violence-related scores than LA IPV perpetrators. Nonetheless, the former showed poor socio-cognitive skills performance (cognitive flexibility, emotional recognition and cognitive empathy). Particularly in HA IPV perpetrators, the history of childhood parental rejection was associated with high hostile sexism and low cognitive empathy. Moreover, a masculinized 2D:4D ratio was associated with high anger expression and low cognitive empathy. Parental rejection during childhood and early androgen exposure are relevant factors for the development of violence and the lack of adequate empathy in adulthood. Furthermore, alcohol abuse plays a key role in the development of socio-cognitive impairments and in the proneness to violence and its recidivism. These findings contribute to new coadjutant violence intervention programs, focused on the rehabilitation of basic executive functions and emotional decoding processes and on the treatment of alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marisol Lila
- Department of Social Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia 46010, Spain; E-Mails: (M.L.); (A.C.-M.)
| | - Alba Catalá-Miñana
- Department of Social Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia 46010, Spain; E-Mails: (M.L.); (A.C.-M.)
| | - Ryan K. Williams
- Criminal Justice Department, University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, IL 62703, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Luis Moya-Albiol
- Department of Psychobiology, University of Valencia, Valencia 46010, Spain; E-Mail:
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +34-96-386-4635; Fax: +34-96-386-4668
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Costas L, Papadopoulou E, Perez-Gomez B, Basagaña X, Alarcon F, Casabonne D, Benavente Y, Castaño-Vinyals G, Kogevinas M, de Sanjosé S. Reliability of 2D:4D measurements using a direct method suitable for clinical settings. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2013.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Genetic association suggests that SMOC1 mediates between prenatal sex hormones and digit ratio. Hum Genet 2012; 132:415-21. [PMID: 23263445 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-012-1259-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2012] [Accepted: 12/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Men and women differ statistically in the relative lengths of their index and ring fingers; and the ratio of these lengths has been used as a biomarker for prenatal testosterone. The ratio has been correlated with a wide range of traits and conditions including prostate cancer, obesity, autism, ADHD, and sexual orientation. In a genome-wide association study of 979 healthy adults, we find that digit ratio is strongly associated with variation upstream of SMOC1 (rs4902759: P = 1.41 × 10(-8)) and a meta-analysis of this and an independent study shows a probability of P = 1.5 × 10(-11). The protein encoded by SMOC1 has recently been shown to play a critical role in limb development; its expression in prostate tissue is dependent on sex hormones, and it has been implicated in the sexually dimorphic development of the gonads. We put forward the hypothesis that SMOC1 provides a link between prenatal hormone exposure and digit ratio.
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Association of V89L SRD5A2 polymorphism with craving and serum leptin levels in male alcohol addicts. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2012; 224:421-9. [PMID: 22707254 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-012-2770-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2012] [Accepted: 06/01/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE A causal role of sex hormones in the onset and course of alcohol dependence is well established. We recently demonstrated that the genetics of the androgen receptor and aromatase relate to craving in alcohol addicts during withdrawal. This relationship involves the modulation of leptin, which affects the mesolimbic dopamine reward circuit. The steroid 5-α reductase 2 (SRD5A2) converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone and thereby causes increased androgenic potency. OBJECTIVES In this study, we explored whether functionally relevant genetic polymorphisms in SRD5A2 (V89L, A49T, [TA](n)) are linked to alcohol addiction and craving. METHODS AND RESULTS We investigated 118 male alcohol-addicted inpatients admitted for withdrawal treatment and compared them to 50 healthy age- and body mass index-matched controls. The two groups did not differ in their allelic distributions. Subsequent analyses revealed an association between the V89L genotype and alcohol craving within the patient group (p < 0.05). Leptin accounted for 55 % of this relationship. Compared to VL and VV carriers, LL carriers had reduced serum leptin levels (p < 0.05) and lower levels of craving (p < 0.01). Furthermore, we observed an interaction between the V89L and the TTTAn aromatase polymorphisms (p < 0.05). No effects were found for A49T or (TA)(n). CONCLUSIONS These findings further support a crucial role of sex hormone biosynthetic genes and signaling in alcohol withdrawal. Craving is an accepted risk factor for alcohol relapse. Hence, these results might be helpful in predicting the outcomes of alcohol addicts after detoxification. With SRD5A2 inhibitors already in clinical use worldwide, this study may also guide future preventive and therapeutic strategies.
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Lenz B, Müller CP, Kornhuber J. Alcohol dependence in same-sex and opposite-sex twins. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2012; 119:1561-4. [PMID: 23104613 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-012-0907-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2012] [Accepted: 10/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Males with a female co-twin are more likely to become alcohol-dependent than males with a male co-twin. According to the twin testosterone transfer model, this finding can be interpreted as indirect evidence for a role of prenatal testosterone in alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Lenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Schwabachanlage 6-10, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
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Nye JVC, Androuschak G, Desierto D, Jones G, Yudkevich M. 2D:4D asymmetry and gender differences in academic performance. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46319. [PMID: 23056282 PMCID: PMC3466225 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2012] [Accepted: 08/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to prenatal androgens affects both future behavior and life choices. However, there is still relatively limited evidence on its effects on academic performance. Moreover, the predicted effect of exposure to prenatal testosterone (T)–which is inversely correlated with the relative length of the second to fourth finger lengths (2D:4D)–would seem to have ambiguous effects on academic achievement since traits like aggressiveness or risk-taking are not uniformly positive for success in school. We provide the first evidence of a non-linear, quadratic, relationship between 2D:4D and academic achievement using samples from Moscow and Manila. We also find that there is a gender differentiated link between various measures of academic achievement and measured digit ratios. These effects are different depending on the field of study, choice of achievement measure, and use of the right hand or left digit ratios. The results seem to be asymmetric between Moscow and Manila where the right (left) hand generates inverted-U (U-shaped) curves in Moscow while the pattern for hands reverses in Manila. Drawing from unusually large and detailed samples of university students in two countries not studied in the digit literature, our work is the first to have a large cross country comparison that includes two groups with very different ethnic compositions.
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Affiliation(s)
- John V C Nye
- Department of Economics, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA. and the Laboratory for Institutional Analysis of Economic Reforms, National Research University “Higher School of Economics”, Moscow, Russia.
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Lenz B, Müller CP, Stoessel C, Sperling W, Biermann T, Hillemacher T, Bleich S, Kornhuber J. Sex hormone activity in alcohol addiction: integrating organizational and activational effects. Prog Neurobiol 2011; 96:136-63. [PMID: 22115850 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2011.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2011] [Revised: 11/03/2011] [Accepted: 11/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
There are well-known sex differences in the epidemiology and etiopathology of alcohol dependence. Male gender is a crucial risk factor for the onset of alcohol addiction. A directly modifying role of testosterone in alcohol addiction-related behavior is well established. Sex hormones exert both permanent (organizational) and transient (activational) effects on the human brain. The sensitive period for these effects lasts throughout life. In this article, we present a novel early sex hormone activity model of alcohol addiction. We propose that early exposure to sex hormones triggers structural (organizational) neuroadaptations. These neuroadaptations affect cellular and behavioral responses to adult sex hormones, sensitize the brain's reward system to the reinforcing properties of alcohol and modulate alcohol addictive behavior later in life. This review outlines clinical findings related to the early sex hormone activity model of alcohol addiction (handedness, the second-to-fourth-finger length ratio, and the androgen receptor and aromatase) and includes clinical and preclinical literature regarding the activational effects of sex hormones in alcohol drinking behavior. Furthermore, we discuss the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and -gonadal axes and the opioid system in mediating the relationship between sex hormone activity and alcohol dependence. We conclude that a combination of exposure to sex hormones in utero and during early development contributes to the risk of alcohol addiction later in life. The early sex hormone activity model of alcohol addiction may prove to be a valuable tool in the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Lenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany.
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