Exploring the Predictive Value of 2D:4D Ratio in Cardiovascular Diseases and Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review

IF 1.7 4区医学 Q1 ANTHROPOLOGY

American Journal of Human Biology Pub Date : 2025-09-12 DOI:10.1002/ajhb.70140

Özlem Elvan, Emine Kaplan Serin, Tuba Güner Emül

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objective

The second-to-fourth digit (2D:4D) ratio, considered a proxy for prenatal androgen exposure, has been proposed as a potential biomarker for various adult health conditions, including metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, evidence supporting this association remains inconsistent. This systematic review aimed to synthesize current findings on the association between 2D:4D ratios and risk factors for MetS and CVD.

Methods

Nine peer-reviewed studies published between 2006 and 2025 were included, selected based on predefined PICOS criteria. Study populations consisted of adult males and females from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Evaluated risk factors included anthropometric measures (body mass index, waist circumference, neck circumference, waist-to-height ratio), metabolic indicators (blood pressure, glucose levels, lipid profiles), and established diagnostic criteria for MetS and CVD. Study designs and methodological quality were assessed to ensure comparability and rigor.

Results

Of the nine studies, three focused exclusively on females, five included both sexes, and one involved only males. Five studies addressed CVD risk, two investigated MetS, and two evaluated both. Seven studies reported statistically significant associations between lower 2D:4D ratios and increased cardiometabolic risk, particularly in males. Right-hand 2D:4D ratio measurements showed stronger predictive value. In contrast, two studies found no significant associations.

Conclusion

While current evidence suggests a potential link between 2D:4D ratios, especially on the right hand, and cardiometabolic risk, inconsistencies remain. These findings highlight the need for further longitudinal and large-scale studies to determine the utility of the 2D:4D ratio as a noninvasive biomarker for MetS and CVD risk prediction.

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探讨2D:4D比值在心血管疾病和代谢综合征中的预测价值：系统综述

第二到第四指（2D:4D）比例被认为是产前雄激素暴露的代表，已被提出作为各种成人健康状况的潜在生物标志物，包括代谢综合征（MetS）和心血管疾病（cvd）。然而，支持这种联系的证据仍然不一致。本系统综述旨在综合目前关于2D:4D比值与MetS和CVD危险因素之间关系的研究结果。方法纳入2006年至2025年间发表的9篇同行评议的研究，根据预先确定的PICOS标准进行选择。研究人群包括来自不同种族背景的成年男性和女性。评估的危险因素包括人体测量指标（体重指数、腰围、颈围、腰高比）、代谢指标（血压、血糖水平、脂质谱），以及MetS和CVD的既定诊断标准。评估研究设计和方法质量以确保可比性和严谨性。在这9项研究中，3项专门针对女性，5项包括两性，1项仅针对男性。5项研究关注心血管疾病风险，2项调查MetS， 2项评估两者。七项研究报告了2D:4D比率较低与心脏代谢风险增加之间的统计学显著关联，尤其是在男性中。右手2D:4D比值测量显示更强的预测价值。相比之下，两项研究没有发现明显的关联。结论：虽然目前的证据表明，2D:4D比率（尤其是右手）与心脏代谢风险之间存在潜在联系，但不一致性仍然存在。这些发现强调了进一步的纵向和大规模研究的必要性，以确定2D:4D比率作为MetS和CVD风险预测的非侵入性生物标志物的效用。

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来源期刊

American Journal of Human Biology 生物-生物学

CiteScore

4.80

自引率

13.80%

发文量

124

审稿时长

4-8 weeks

期刊介绍： The American Journal of Human Biology is the Official Journal of the Human Biology Association. The American Journal of Human Biology is a bimonthly, peer-reviewed, internationally circulated journal that publishes reports of original research, theoretical articles and timely reviews, and brief communications in the interdisciplinary field of human biology. As the official journal of the Human Biology Association, the Journal also publishes abstracts of research presented at its annual scientific meeting and book reviews relevant to the field. The Journal seeks scholarly manuscripts that address all aspects of human biology, health, and disease, particularly those that stress comparative, developmental, ecological, or evolutionary perspectives. The transdisciplinary areas covered in the Journal include, but are not limited to, epidemiology, genetic variation, population biology and demography, physiology, anatomy, nutrition, growth and aging, physical performance, physical activity and fitness, ecology, and evolution, along with their interactions. The Journal publishes basic, applied, and methodologically oriented research from all areas, including measurement, analytical techniques and strategies, and computer applications in human biology. Like many other biologically oriented disciplines, the field of human biology has undergone considerable growth and diversification in recent years, and the expansion of the aims and scope of the Journal is a reflection of this growth and membership diversification. The Journal is committed to prompt review, and priority publication is given to manuscripts with novel or timely findings, and to manuscripts of unusual interest.