Does anogenital distance change with age?

Area of Science:

• Human biology
• Endocrinology
• Anthropometry

Background:

• Anogenital distance (AGD) is a recognized indicator of the prenatal androgen environment in animals.
• The stability of AGD as a lifelong phenotype in humans remains largely uncharacterized.
• Understanding AGD stability is crucial for interpreting its role as a biomarker in human development and health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the stability of anogenital distance (AGD) in adult males.
• To compare AGD between different age groups (fathers and sons) to assess potential age-related changes.
• To explore the relationship between AGD, anthropometric characteristics, and testosterone levels.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 130 males, divided into two groups: fathers (Group 1) and their sons (Group 2).
• Anogenital distance (AGD), defined as the distance from the anus to the posterior base of the scrotum, was measured using digital calipers.
• Anogenital index (AGI) was calculated by dividing AGD by Body Mass Index (BMI) to account for variations in height and weight.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in height and weight were observed between the father and son groups.
• Mean AGD scores showed a trend towards decrease with age, though not statistically significant (p=0.09).
• Mean total testosterone levels were significantly lower in the older father group compared to the younger son group (p=0.00).

Conclusions:

• Anogenital distance (AGD) may exhibit a decrease with advancing age in males.
• While this study suggests a potential age-related decline in AGD, further longitudinal research is necessary to confirm these findings.
• The study highlights the need for considering age as a factor when evaluating AGD in human populations.