Digit ratio (2D:4D) in primary brain tumor patients: A case-control study

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Neuro-oncology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• The second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is a marker of prenatal sex steroid exposure, with implications for sex-steroid-sensitive conditions like primary brain tumors.
• Prenatal androgen and estrogen levels influence fetal development, potentially affecting brain tumor risk and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the 2D:4D ratio and the presence of primary brain tumors.
• To explore the relationship between 2D:4D ratio and age at presentation for primary brain tumors.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of right and left 2D:4D ratios between 85 primary brain tumor patients and 106 age- and gender-matched controls.
• Analysis of common brain tumor types including meningioma, glioblastoma, and pituitary adenoma.
• Correlation of 2D:4D ratios with patient age at presentation.

Main Results:

• Primary brain tumor patients exhibited significantly lower right and left 2D:4D ratios compared to controls.
• No significant difference was found in the right minus left 2D:4D ratio (D_r-l) between patients and controls.
• In meningioma and glioma patients, older age at presentation was associated with a lower left 2D:4D ratio and a higher D_r-l.

Conclusions:

• Lower 2D:4D ratios in brain tumor patients suggest increased prenatal testosterone or decreased prenatal estrogen exposure.
• Age at presentation for specific brain tumors (meningioma, glioma) correlates with digit ratio patterns, potentially reflecting developmental influences.
• Preliminary findings warrant further investigation due to small sample size, highlighting the need for cautious interpretation.