Digit ratio (2D:4D) in a Chinese population with schizophrenia. (July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Qian, Wenli; Huo, Zhenghao; Lu, Hong; Sheng, Youjing; Geng, Zhi; Ma, Zhanbing
• Is Part Of: Early human development. Volume 98(2016)
• Page Start: 45
• Page End: 48
• Publication Date: 2016-07
• Subjects: 2D:4D -- Digit ratio -- Gonadal hormone -- Schizophrenia; Fetus -- Periodicals; Neonatology -- Periodicals; Prenatal influences -- Periodicals; 612.65
• DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2016.05.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0378-3782

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Prenatal gonadal hormones may play a major role in pathogenesis of schizophrenia. It has been reported that second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) was influenced by the levels of exposure to prenatal testosterone and estrogen. So, 2D:4D may help to predict the disease susceptibility to schizophrenia. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the digit ratio (2D:4D) and schizophrenia in Chinese population. Methods: We recruited 178 schizophrenics (males: 76; females: 102) and 365 controls (males: 218; females: 147) in this study. Photocopies of both hands were collected and left hand, right hand, mean hand and left minus right hand (DL-R ) 2D:4D were analyzed. Results: The right and mean hand 2D:4D ratios were significantly higher in schizophrenics compared to that of controls in both males and females. The left hand 2D:4D ratio in female schizophrenics was also significantly higher than in controls. Compared to controls, the DL-R 2D:4D in male schizophrenics was obviously higher. There was a weakly (but not significantly) negative correlation between the mean hand 2D:4D ratio and the age of onset. Conclusions: The 2D:4D ratio may correlate with the schizophrenia in Chinese population, and it may be an indicator of schizophrenia. Highlights: We investigated the relationship between 2D:4D ratio and schizophrenia in a Chinese population. Schizophrenics have significantly higher right and mean hand 2D:4D ratios than controls. There was a weakly (not significantly) negative correlation between the mean hand 2D:4D and the onset age in male schizophrenics.