Digit ratio (2D:4D) and salivary testosterone, oestradiol and cortisol levels under challenge: Evidence for prenatal effects on adult endocrine responses. Issue 8 (August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Crewther, Blair; Cook, Christian; Kilduff, Liam; Manning, John
• Is Part Of: Early human development. Volume 91:Issue 8(2015)
• Page Start: 451
• Page End: 456
• Publication Date: 2015-08
• Subjects: Fetus -- Periodicals; Neonatology -- Periodicals; Prenatal influences -- Periodicals; 612.65
• DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2015.04.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0378-3782

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="author" id="ab0015"> <title id="st0130">Abstract</title> <sec> <title id="st0135">Background</title> <p id="sp0080">Digit ratio (2D:4D) is a marker for prenatal sex steroids and a correlate of sporting performance. This association may exist because low 2D:4D is linked to high prenatal levels of testosterone (T) and low oestrogens (E). It was recently suggested that low 2D:4D, and particularly low right-left 2D:4D (or Dr-l), is a marker for T changes in response to physical and aggressive challenges. If correct, this link may in part explain the association between 2D:4D and sports performance.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="st0140">Aims</title> <p id="sp0085">We tested this hypothesis in adults.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="st0145">Study design</title> <p id="sp0090">Three experimental treatments were completed using a randomised, cross-over design; (i) cycle sprints plus an aggressive video (S + V), (ii) aggressive video plus cycle sprints (V + S), and (iii) a control session.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="st0150">Subjects</title> <p id="sp0095">24 healthy adults (12 men and 12 women).</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="st0155">Outcome measures</title> <p id="sp0100">Salivary T, oestradiol (E2) and cortisol (C) levels were measured on six occasions across each session and pooled for analysis.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="st0160">Results</title> <p id="sp0105">The S + V treatment was associated with a rise in T and C levels, and Dr-l was significantly and negatively correlated with T and E2 with these effects confined to men. The right 2D:4D and Dr-l were also negatively correlated with the T/C ratio and Dr-l negatively related to the E2/C ratio in men during the S + V treatment.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="st0165">Conclusions</title> <p id="sp0110">We suggest that the hormonal responses to a challenge are programmed by prenatal levels of T and E with possible links to sporting performance in adulthood.</p> </sec> </abstract>