Associations between second to fourth digit ratio, cortisol, vitamin D, and body composition among Polish children

Sci Rep. 2021 Mar 29;11(1):7029. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-86521-7.

Abstract

Associations between body characteristics (body composition: fat mass, muscle mass, cell, and water mass as well as body proportion-BMI), the 2D:4D digit ratio, and the concentrations of cortisol and vitamin (25-OH)D among Polish children have not been studied before. A total of 133 (73 girls and 60 boys) healthy Polish children aged 7-11 years were examined. The investigation was divided into three parts: measuring (the length of the second and fourth fingers in both hands, body composition, and body height and mass), questionnaires (socioeconomic status), and laboratory investigations (25-OH vitamin D and cortisol concentrations in saliva measured with ELISA methods). Boys with digit ratios below 1 had lower vitamin D concentration than those with digit ratios equal to or higher than 1 (Z = - 2.33; p = 0.019). Only boys with the male-typical pattern of 2D:4D digit ratio tended to have a lower 25-OH vitamin D concentration in saliva. Thus, it might indicate an effect of prenatal programming on the concentrations of steroid hormones in later life. Neither vitamin D, 2D:4D digit ratio nor the cortisol level was associated with the body components or proportions. More studies are needed to evaluate the molecular and genetic background of this phenomenon.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Body Composition*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Child
  • Female
  • Fingers / anatomy & histology*
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / blood*
  • Male
  • Poland
  • Vitamin D / blood*

Substances

  • Vitamin D
  • Hydrocortisone