Comparing Serum AMH, InhB, Testosterone Levels and Finger Length Ratio (2D/4D) of Male Children with Specific...

Area of Science:

• Neuroendocrinology
• Developmental Psychology
• Pediatric Neurology

Background:

• Sex differences in neurodevelopmental disorders are influenced by hormones and developmental markers.
• Inhibin B (InhB), Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and 2D/4D finger ratios are potential indicators of prenatal hormonal exposure.
• Specific learning disorder (SLD) exhibits a male predominance, suggesting a role for sex-related factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum inhibin B (InhB) levels, Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, and 2D/4D finger length ratios in male children with SLD.
• To explore the potential role of these markers in the male predominance observed in SLD.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 38 male children diagnosed with SLD and 38 age-matched male controls.
• Assessment included standardized diagnostic and cognitive tests (K-SADS-PL, SLD battery, WISC-R, Conners' Parent Rating Scale).
• Serum levels of AMH, InhB, and testosterone were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Main Results:

• Male children with SLD exhibited significantly higher serum InhB levels compared to controls (p=0.009).
• No significant differences in serum AMH or testosterone levels were observed between the groups.
• The 2D/4D finger length ratio was significantly lower in the SLD group compared to controls (p=0.005).
• Serum InhB levels positively correlated with verbal scores on the WISC-R (p=0.003).

Conclusions:

• Elevated serum InhB levels and lower 2D/4D finger ratios may be associated with specific learning disorder in males.
• These findings suggest that InhB and prenatal testosterone exposure, indicated by the 2D/4D ratio, could contribute to the male predominance in SLD.