Digit ratio (2D:4D) is associated with gastric cancer

作者:Hopp Renato Nicolas*; de Souza Lima Nathalia Caroline; Laurentino Filho Jose; Sena Filho Marcondes; Passos Lima Carmen Silvia; Jorge Jacks
来源:Early Human Development, 2013, 89(5): 327-329.
DOI:10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2012.11.002

摘要

Background: Sex steroid exposure during early human development may influence disease susceptibility. Digit ratio (2D:4D) is a putative marker for prenatal hormone exposure and sensitivity, as well as the action of genes closely related to carcinogenesis. Digit ratio could act as a possible marker for cancer predisposition. Aims: The aim of this study is to investigate the possible correlations between right hand, left hand and right minus left (R L) 2D:4D and gastric cancer (GCA) in men and women and assess the correlations with tumor staging and histological diagnosis. Methods: Digital images of the right and left hand palms of patients diagnosed with GCA (n = 57,42 males, 15 females) and age and sex-matched controls (n = 59, 41 males, 18 females) were obtained. Means for 2D:4D were compared. Data were analyzed by repeated-measures one-way ANOVA and Student's t-test for finger measurements and group comparisons and Pearson's and Spearman's tests for correlations with tumor staging (alpha = 0.05). Results: GCA group presented significantly higher left 2D:4D, but significantly lower R L in comparison to healthy controls, particularly so for males. Digit ratio did not correlate to clinical staging or TNM staging. However, low R L was significantly related to adenocarcinomas. Conclusions: Early developmental conditions, including prenatal testosterone seem to play a role on the malignant transformation of gastric lesions. The 2D:4D pattern found for gastric cancer parallels that earlier described for breast cancer. The findings suggest that 2D:4D could add to the list of etiological factors and be a putative marker for the screening of patients' susceptibility to develop gastric cancer.

  • 出版日期2013-5

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