Second-to-fourth Digit Ratio in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Rheumatology
• Human Biology

Background:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) predominantly affects women, indicating a significant role for sex hormones.
• The second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D4D) is a recognized marker of prenatal sex hormone exposure.
• Understanding the influence of sex hormones on SLE pathogenesis is crucial for developing targeted therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the 2D4D ratio and SLE.
• To explore the potential role of prenatal sex hormone levels in SLE development.

Main Methods:

• Digit ratios (2D4D) were measured in 100 patients diagnosed with SLE.
• Digit ratios were also measured in 200 healthy individuals serving as controls.
• Statistical analysis compared 2D4D ratios between the SLE and control groups.

Main Results:

• Patients with SLE exhibited a significantly lower 2D4D ratio compared to healthy controls.
• This finding suggests a distinct pattern of prenatal sex hormone exposure in individuals with SLE.

Conclusions:

• The study indicates that individuals with SLE may have experienced higher prenatal testosterone and lower prenatal estrogen exposure.
• This research is the first to establish a link between the 2D4D ratio and SLE, offering new insights into the disease's etiology.