Overexpression of Androgen Receptors Masculinizes 2D:4D Digit Ratios in Mice

Swift‐Gallant, Ashlyn; Rita, Victor Di; Coome, Lindsay A.; Monks, D. Ashley

doi:10.1007/s10508-021-02161-y

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…That is, an activation of the androgen receptor led to an increase of 2D:4D in males, whereas a blocking of the androgen receptor led to a decrease of 2D:4D in females [ 77 ]. This finding is also in line with Swift-Gallant, Di Rita, Coome, and Monks [ 78 ] who found an increase in 2D:4D in mice with global androgen receptor overexpression compared to wildtype mice and mice with neural-specific androgen receptor overexpression regardless of sex. Other studies administered T directly as an intramuscular injection into the dam and examined 2D:4D in the offspring.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

The association of prenatal amniotic sex hormones and digit ratio (2D:4D) in children aged 5 to 70 months: A longitudinal study

Ernsten

Körner²,

Schaper³

et al. 2023

PLoS ONE

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The sex difference of the 2D:4D digit ratio (female > male)–a proposed marker for prenatal testosterone exposure—is well established. Studies suggest it already exists in utero and is of moderate effect size in adulthood. However, evidence for the claim that 2D:4D reflects prenatal androgen action is limited, and the sex difference may exhibit lability during childhood. In the present study, 244 mothers were recruited in the course of an amniocentesis examination (performed between gestational weeks 14 and 18). Prenatal testosterone (T) and estradiol (E) levels were determined from amniotic fluid for boys and girls. The majority (97.4%, n = 114) of available female T levels (n = 117) were found below the level of quantification. Therefore, only male amniotic fluid data (n = 117) could be included for the analysis of associations between amniotic sex hormones (T levels and T to E ratio (T/E)) and 2D:4D. The families were then invited to each of the five consecutive follow-ups (ages: 5, 9, 20, 40, and 70 months) where children’s 2D:4D was measured for both hands. The alternative marker D[r-l] reflects the directional asymmetry of 2D:4D (right subtracted by left 2D:4D) and was subsequently calculated as an additional measure for prenatal T exposure. No significant correlations between amniotic T or the T/E ratio (measured between week 14 and 18 of gestation) with 2D:4D respectively D[r-l] were observed for any time point. There was a significant sex difference (females > males) and a significant age effect with moderate correlations of 2D:4D between time points. 2D:4D increased between 20 and 40 months and between 40 and 70 months of age. The findings raise questions regarding the applicability of 2D:4D as a marker for prenatal androgen action and are discussed in terms of the reliability of obtained digit ratio data as well as in terms of the developmental timing of amniocentesis.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%