Right hand digit ratio (2D:4D) is associated with prostate cancer: Findings of an admixed population study

Abstract

Objective: Digit ratios are considered putative markers for prenatal hormone exposure, as well as the action of HOX and AR genes. Such genes have been connected to carcinogenesis and digit ratio could help to identify patients that bear such predisposition. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible correlations between digit ratio, prostate cancer (PCA) -the most common cancer in men -and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) in a multiethnic sample of men between 50 and 80 years, the main risk group for this disease.Methods: Digital images of the right hands of patients diagnosed with PCA (n=40), BPH (n=40) and age-matched controls (n=40) were obtained. Fingers were measured using Adobe Photoshop 7.0® and the mean ratios between the 2nd and 4th digits were compared. Data were analyzed by Student's t test and regression models (α=0.05). Risk factors (dietary factors, tobacco consumption, age and familial history) were similar among the three study groups.Results: Males in the PCA group presented significantly lower digit ratio (P=0.04) in comparison with males without prostatic lesions. Conclusions:Males with the lower digit ratio seem to be more prone to undergo malignization of prostatic lesions. Similar risk factors for the three groups allows us to infer that digit ratio could add to the research of etiological factors and be a putative marker for the screening of patients', especially in a admixed population.

Can second to fourth finger ratio play a role in determining the risk of benign prostatic enlargement

“…In contrast to our study, many studies have looked at only the 2D: 4D finger ratio of the right hand (Hopp & Jorge, ; Jung et al, ; Rahman et al, ; Waters et al, ), considering that the 2D:4D finger ratio of the right hand shows prenatal androgenic exposure better than the left hand (Hönekopp & Watson, ). In our study, there was a negative correlation between finger ratios and prostate volumes only in right hand.…”

“…4D finger ratio of the right hand (Hopp & Jorge, 2012;Jung et al, 2011;Rahman et al, 2011;Waters et al, 2013), considering that the 2D:4D…”

Digit Ratio (2D:4D) and cancer: What is known so far?

“…A smaller but much admixed population was analyzed in Brazil for prostate cancer prevalence, and compared to a sample of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). 10 Once again, only right-hands were evaluated and males with prostate cancer presented lower digit ratios than the ones with no prostatic lesions. The authors suggested 2D:4D as a possible screening marker for prostate cancer incidence.…”