The 2D : 4D Digit Ratio as a Biomarker for Autism Spectrum Disorder

It has been suggested that the second (2D, index finger) to fourth (4D, ring finger) digit ratio, 2D : 4D, may be a biomarker for the risk of developing autism. The aim of the current study was to determine the usefulness of the 2D : 4D digit ratio as biomarker for autistic traits. N=401 healthy you...

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Main Authors: M. Mackus, D. de Kruijff, L. S. Otten, A. D. Kraneveld, J. Garssen, J. C. Verster
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Hindawi Limited 2017-01-01
Series:Autism Research and Treatment
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2017/1048302
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spelling doaj-5d27712155b844d5842ca4749e7fbf082020-11-24T23:15:10ZengHindawi LimitedAutism Research and Treatment2090-19252090-19332017-01-01201710.1155/2017/10483021048302The 2D : 4D Digit Ratio as a Biomarker for Autism Spectrum DisorderM. Mackus0D. de Kruijff1L. S. Otten2A. D. Kraneveld3J. Garssen4J. C. Verster5Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, NetherlandsDivision of Pharmacology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, NetherlandsDivision of Pharmacology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, NetherlandsDivision of Pharmacology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, NetherlandsDivision of Pharmacology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, NetherlandsDivision of Pharmacology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, NetherlandsIt has been suggested that the second (2D, index finger) to fourth (4D, ring finger) digit ratio, 2D : 4D, may be a biomarker for the risk of developing autism. The aim of the current study was to determine the usefulness of the 2D : 4D digit ratio as biomarker for autistic traits. N=401 healthy young volunteers participated in the study. For both hands, digit lengths were measured using digital Vernier calipers. In addition to demographics, the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) questionnaire was completed, comprised of five subscales, assessing “social insights and behavior,” “attention switching,” “communication,” “imagination,” and “attention to detail.” Overall, no significant correlations were observed between the AQ total score, its subscales, and the 2D : 4D digit ratio. For women, the left hand 2D : 4D digit ratio correlated significantly with the subscale score “communication” (r=-0.142; p=0.036). For men, a significant positive correlation was found between the left 2D : 4D digit ratio and the total AQ score (r=0.157; p=0.042) and AQ subscale “attention switching” (r=0.182; p=0.017). In conclusion, gender specific associations between the 2D : 4D digit ratio and specific autism traits were observed, which were stronger in men than in women. Future studies should be conducted in patients that are formally diagnosed with autism.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2017/1048302
collection DOAJ
language English
format Article
sources DOAJ
author M. Mackus
D. de Kruijff
L. S. Otten
A. D. Kraneveld
J. Garssen
J. C. Verster
spellingShingle M. Mackus
D. de Kruijff
L. S. Otten
A. D. Kraneveld
J. Garssen
J. C. Verster
The 2D : 4D Digit Ratio as a Biomarker for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Research and Treatment
author_facet M. Mackus
D. de Kruijff
L. S. Otten
A. D. Kraneveld
J. Garssen
J. C. Verster
author_sort M. Mackus
title The 2D : 4D Digit Ratio as a Biomarker for Autism Spectrum Disorder
title_short The 2D : 4D Digit Ratio as a Biomarker for Autism Spectrum Disorder
title_full The 2D : 4D Digit Ratio as a Biomarker for Autism Spectrum Disorder
title_fullStr The 2D : 4D Digit Ratio as a Biomarker for Autism Spectrum Disorder
title_full_unstemmed The 2D : 4D Digit Ratio as a Biomarker for Autism Spectrum Disorder
title_sort 2d : 4d digit ratio as a biomarker for autism spectrum disorder
publisher Hindawi Limited
series Autism Research and Treatment
issn 2090-1925
2090-1933
publishDate 2017-01-01
description It has been suggested that the second (2D, index finger) to fourth (4D, ring finger) digit ratio, 2D : 4D, may be a biomarker for the risk of developing autism. The aim of the current study was to determine the usefulness of the 2D : 4D digit ratio as biomarker for autistic traits. N=401 healthy young volunteers participated in the study. For both hands, digit lengths were measured using digital Vernier calipers. In addition to demographics, the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) questionnaire was completed, comprised of five subscales, assessing “social insights and behavior,” “attention switching,” “communication,” “imagination,” and “attention to detail.” Overall, no significant correlations were observed between the AQ total score, its subscales, and the 2D : 4D digit ratio. For women, the left hand 2D : 4D digit ratio correlated significantly with the subscale score “communication” (r=-0.142; p=0.036). For men, a significant positive correlation was found between the left 2D : 4D digit ratio and the total AQ score (r=0.157; p=0.042) and AQ subscale “attention switching” (r=0.182; p=0.017). In conclusion, gender specific associations between the 2D : 4D digit ratio and specific autism traits were observed, which were stronger in men than in women. Future studies should be conducted in patients that are formally diagnosed with autism.
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2017/1048302
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