The 2D:4D ratio, a proxy for prenatal androgen levels, differs in men with and without MS.
Neurology
; 85(14): 1209-13, 2015 Oct 06.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-26341868
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
To determine whether the 2D4D ratio (ratio of the second and fourth digit lengths), a proxy for lower prenatal androgen to estrogen ratio, differs in men with and without multiple sclerosis (MS) using a case-control study design.METHODS:
We obtained 2 digital scans of the right hand for men with MS presenting to a scheduled clinic visit at a large MS referral center, and for men without autoimmune or endocrine diseases. All individuals were aged 18 to 65 years, right-handed, and reported no prior digit trauma. We calculated a mean 2D4D ratio using digital calipers. In participants with MS, we assessed age at first MS symptoms, MS type, and the MS Severity Score; 51 had provided a testosterone level within 10 years of symptom onset. Our primary analysis was a cross-sectional comparison of the 2D4D ratio between men with and without MS, using a 2-sample t test for independent samples assuming unequal variance.RESULTS:
In total, we scanned 137 men with MS and 145 men without MS. A statistically significant association between 2D4D ratio and MS status was observed in the univariate logistic regression model (p<0.05). These differences were not associated with age or race, which differed between the 2 groups. In participants with MS, the 2D4D ratio was not correlated with MS type, age at first symptoms, or MS Severity Score (p>0.15 for each), and it was not correlated with adult testosterone levels (r=0.06, p=0.68, n=51).CONCLUSIONS:
During the prenatal period, low androgens could represent a risk factor for MS.
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Caracteres Sexuais
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Androgênios
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Esclerose Múltipla
Tipo de estudo:
Diagnostic_studies
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Observational_studies
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Prevalence_studies
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Prognostic_studies
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Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Adult
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Aged
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Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2015
Tipo de documento:
Article