Associations Between Cytochrome P450 (CYP) Gene Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Second-to-Fourth Digit Ratio in Chinese University Students

Abstract

Background Cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes are necessary for the production or metabolism of fetal sex hormones during pregnancy. The second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D: 4D) is formed in the early stage of human fetal development and considered an indicator reflecting prenatal sex steroids levels. We explored the association between 2D: 4D and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CYP. Material/Methods Correlation analysis between 2D: 4D and 8 SNPs, rs2687133 ( CPY3A7 ), rs7173655 ( CYP11A1 ), rs1004467, rs17115149, and rs2486758 ( CYP17A1 ), and rs4646, rs2255192, rs4275794 ( CYP19A1 ), was performed using data from 426 female and 412 male Chinese university students. SNP genotyping was conducted using PCR. Digit lengths were photographed and measured by image processing software. Results rs2486758 ( CYP17A1 ) correlated with left hand 2D: 4D in men ( P =0.026), and rs1004467 ( CYP17A1 ) correlated with right hand 2D: 4D in men ( P =0.008) and the whole population ( P =0.032). In men, allele G rs1004467 decreased right hand 2D: 4D, while allele C of rs2486758 increased left hand 2D: 4D. In women, left hand 2D: 4D was higher in genotypes with allele A of SNP rs4646 ( CYP19A1 ) under the dominant genetic model; female D R-L was higher in genotypes with allele T of rs17115149 ( CYP11A1 ). SNPs rs2687133 ( CYP3A7 ) and rs1004467 ( CYP17A1 ) were significantly correlated with right hand 2D: 4D ( P =0.0107). Conclusions SNPs rs1004467 and rs2486758 of CYP17A1 are significant in the relationship between 2D: 4D and CYP gene polymorphisms under different conditions. SNP interactions between CYP genes probably impact 2D: 4D. The correlation between 2D: 4D and some sex hormone-related diseases may be due to the effect of CYP variants on the 2 phenotypes.

A Review on CYP11A1, CYP17A1, and CYP19A1 Polymorphism Studies: Candidate Susceptibility Genes for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Infertility

“…A subset of the CYP genes encodes enzymes involved in the process of steroidogenesis biosynthesis. Among them, the majority of research has focused on the CYP19A1 , CYP17A1 , and CYP11A1 genes [ 39 ]. The CYP19A1 gene encodes an enzyme that is a member of the cytochrome P450 family.…”

The Role of CYP3A in Health and Disease

“…Two-thirds of the latter carry a promoter allele called CYP3A7*1C ( rs45446698 , located in the promoter) or (less commonly) CYP3A7*1B. Allele CYP3A7*1C induces overexpression of the fetal CYP3A7 gene in adults, influences sex hormone levels [ 165 ] and is an exclusive marker of high CYP3A7 expression in the gut [ 26 ].…”

Molecular Docking of Spearmint Phytocompounds Against Cyp21a2: Implications for Pcos Therapy

“…Some of genes and their associated biochemical pathway leading to PCOS are steroidogenesis (e.g., CYP17A1, CYP11A1, CYP19A1), chronic inflammation (e.g., tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 6), INS secretion (e.g., INS, insulin receptor [INSR], insulin receptor substrate-1), cancer (e.g., matrix metalloproteinase, INS, androgen receptor type 1), complement and coagulation cascade (e.g., von Willebrand factor), and signaling (e.g., luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin receptor [LHCGR], INS, and adiponectin gene, anti-Mullerian hormone [AMH]) pathways [6][7][8][9][10]. One gene associated with the manifestation of PCOS is CYP21A2, and it is one among the cytochrome P450 (CYPs) enzymes involved in steroidogenesis pathways [11,12]. Steroidogenesis in ovaries starts with converting cholesterol to androgen, estrogen, and progestin, all of which act as substrates for synthesizing steroid hormones.…”