5. Original Scientific Paper
Abstract

Background: The ratio of lengths of second to the fourth digit (2D:4D) is a proxy indicator of prenatal sex-hormone exposure. The male has lower 2D:4D than the female. The ratio and its sexual dimorphism vary across ethnicity. The relationships of 2D:4D with anthropometric dimensions are not consistent. Objective: To compare 2D:4D and its sexual dimorphism between the young Indian and Polish populations and to examine the relationship between 2D:4D and anthropometric measures. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 152 Indian (males: 71 females: 81) and 110 Polish (55 each sex) young adults aged between 18 and 25 years. Height, weight, waist and hip circumferences, second and fourth digit lengths were measured. Results: Males had significantly lower 2D:4D than the female in both hands in both the ethnic groups. All the anthropometric measurements were higher in Polish males, including the 2D:4D of both hands, than the Indians, except for BMI and WHR. Polish females had higher digit lengths, height, weight and HC than the Indian females. In Polish males, 2D:4D was negatively associated with height and WHR in both hands. No significant correlation was observed between any anthropometric measure (except for height) and 2D:4D among the Indians. However, the Indian Female had a nearly significant positive correlation between left 2D:4D and HC. In Indian Male correlation between left hand 2D:4D and Height is significant and similar to that of the Polish men. Conclusion: It was not possible to draw any conclusion regarding the nature of association between 2D:4D and anthropometric parameters. The findings indicate a link between fat patterning and digit ratio.

Download Complete Article

Leave a Reply

Category


Keywords