Lu Wang1, Zhenghao Huo2, Hong Lu3, Chunyue Bai2, Keke Li2, Wenqian Ma2. 1. Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, PR China. 2. Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education/Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics/Basic Medical College, Yinchuan 750004, PR China. 3. Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education/Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics/Basic Medical College, Yinchuan 750004, PR China. Electronic address: chuan773@126.com.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Digit ratio (2D:4D) is fixed in utero and affected by fetal sex steroids. It has been proposed as a putative biomarker of certain hormone- related adult life traits and diseases. Several evidence suggest that 2D:4D ratio may correlate with cardiovascular disease risk (e.g., coronary artery disease). AIMS: To investigate whether there is a possible relationship between digit ratio (especially 2D:4D ratio) and coronary artery disease (CAD), and age at CAD in north Chinese women. METHODS: Photographs of the two hands of 303 females (controls: 194; patients: 109) were collected. Left hand, right hand and right minus left hand (Dr-l) digit ratio were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: The mean values of digit ratio in patients with CAD were lower than controls for each hand. Significant differences of 2D:4D (left and right hand: P<0.01), 2D:5D (left hand: P<0.01; right hand: P<0.05) and 3D:4D (left hand: P<0.01) were found between two groups. There were no associations between 2D:4D ratio and age at CAD on both hands. CONCLUSION: Decreased digit ratio (especially 2D:4D ratio) may suggest a higher prenatal testosterone (lower prenatal oestrogen) exposure in north Chinese women with coronary artery disease.
BACKGROUND: Digit ratio (2D:4D) is fixed in utero and affected by fetal sex steroids. It has been proposed as a putative biomarker of certain hormone- related adult life traits and diseases. Several evidence suggest that 2D:4D ratio may correlate with cardiovascular disease risk (e.g., coronary artery disease). AIMS: To investigate whether there is a possible relationship between digit ratio (especially 2D:4D ratio) and coronary artery disease (CAD), and age at CAD in north Chinese women. METHODS: Photographs of the two hands of 303 females (controls: 194; patients: 109) were collected. Left hand, right hand and right minus left hand (Dr-l) digit ratio were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: The mean values of digit ratio in patients with CAD were lower than controls for each hand. Significant differences of 2D:4D (left and right hand: P<0.01), 2D:5D (left hand: P<0.01; right hand: P<0.05) and 3D:4D (left hand: P<0.01) were found between two groups. There were no associations between 2D:4D ratio and age at CAD on both hands. CONCLUSION: Decreased digit ratio (especially 2D:4D ratio) may suggest a higher prenatal testosterone (lower prenatal oestrogen) exposure in north Chinese women with coronary artery disease.