Correlation between Digit Length Ratios and Risk Factors Associated with Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome refers to a group of risk factors that increase a person's chance of developing cardiovascular disease and/or diabetes mellitus type II. Hypertension and insulin resistance, two factors associated with metabolic syndrome, are reflective of prenatal androgen exposure. Androgen exposure in utero is also related to the ratio of the length of the 2nd and 4th digits of the hand (2D:4D). Objective: To test the hypothesis that the 2D:4D correlates with parameters associated with metabolic syndrome measuring in the risk range for developing metabolic disease. If our hypothesis is correct, measuring a patient's 2D: 4D would be a non-invasive way to determine the risk for developing cardiovascular disease and/or diabetes mellitus type II. Methods: The 2D:4Ds of 45 adults were measured at a health fair and correlated with the parameters associated with metabolic syndrome, and body mass index (BMI). The predictability of the 2D:4D for determining the risk of metabolic disease was also assessed. Results: Significant correlations were found between the 2D:4D of the left and right hands with elevated concentrations of circulating triglycerides, and the right hand with BMI. The AUC for the relationship of the right and left hand 2D:4D with elevated triglycerides was 0.7538 and 0.7012, respectively. Conclusion: The relationship between the 2D:4D and elevated triglycerides supports use of the 2D:4D as a non-invasive screening tool to assess an individual's risk for metabolic syndrome. Such a screening tool may increase the number of people willing to participate, enabling earlier detection and intervention to stave off metabolic diseases.