Decreased second to fourth digit ratios in female multiple sclerosis patients. (May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gazioglu, Sibel; Alkan, Ismail; Karaman, Ayse Gul; Boz, Cavit
• Is Part Of: Early human development. Volume 144(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-05
• Subjects: Multiple sclerosis -- 2D:4D ratio -- Prenatal -- Sex hormones; Fetus -- Periodicals; Neonatology -- Periodicals; Prenatal influences -- Periodicals; 612.65
• DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2020.105039
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0378-3782

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Sex-related differences in multiple sclerosis (MS) suggest a possible role of prenatal sex hormones in the pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the 2D:4D ratio, considered a predictor of prenatal hormonal exposure, in MS patients differ from that in healthy controls. Methods: Two hundred MS patients and one hundred seventy healthy control subjects with similar age and sex distribution enrolled. All participants were right-handed. The right hands of all participants were scanned using a digital scanner. Measurements of second and fourth digit lengths were made from digital scans. The 2D:4D ratio was calculated by dividing the length of the second digit by the length of the fourth digit. Results: A total of 171 MS patients' and 159 healthy controls' digit scans included in the study. The MS group consisted of 94 females (mean age 38.32 ± 10.5) and 77 males (mean age 42.06 ± 11.8) and the control group of 86 females (mean age 40.24 ± 9.7) and 73 males (mean age 38.49 ± 11.6). 2D:4D ratios of female MS patients were significantly lower than those of healthy females ( p =0.004). Although 2D:4D ratios of male patients with MS were lower than those of healthy males, this difference was not statistically significant ( p =0.33). There was no significant correlation between the 2D:4D ratio, EDSS levels or duration of the disease in male or female MS patients ( p <0.05). Conclusion: Although our results suggest that a prenatal hormonal balance in favor of androgenic activity may be a risk factor for MS, complex factors mediating the actions of sex hormones on target cells should always be considered when evaluating the effects of sex hormones. Highlights: 2D:4D ratios are significantly lower in female patients with MS than in healthy controls. Prenatal high androgenic or low estrogenic activity may be a risk factor for MS. Prenatal aromatase enzyme deficiency may be related to the development of MS.