Abstract
Digit ratio, especially the second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D), is a proxy indicator for prenatal exposure and sensitivity to sexual hormones which may influence the susceptibility to certain cancers. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether there is a possible association between 2D:4D and gastric cancer (GCA) in north Chinese women. Photographs of the left and right hands of 167 women (controls: 113; patients: 54) were collected. Left hand, right hand, and right minus left hand (Dr-l) 2D:4D were analyzed and compared. The GCA group presented significantly lower 2D:4D than controls (left: P < .01; right: P < .05). No significant difference was observed in Dr-l between the two groups. In patients, there were no correlations between 2D:4D and age at GCA or tumor staging. Decreased 2D:4D (especially of the left hand) may suggest a higher prenatal testosterone (lower prenatal estrogen) exposure in north Chinese women with GCA.
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Schedule a callMore From: American journal of human biology : the official journal of the Human Biology Council
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