The Anthropometric Ratio of Index Finger to Ring Finger (2D:4D) Correlation with Some Seminal Fluid Analysis Parameters.

Abstract

ABSTRACT :BACKGROUND:The 2D:4D ratio can be considered as a measure of prenatal androgen exposure, with the lower 2D:4D ratios pointing to higher androgen exposure. Moreover, common molecular signals (HOX genes) control the embryological development of the appendicular skeleton and the gonads.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the correlation between semen quality and an anthropometric measurement of digit ratio. To evaluate the relationship of spermatogenesis and body parts ratio which have a common embryological determinants.METHODS:The study was performed on individuals attending the Institute of Embryo Research and Infertility Treatment /Al-Nahrain University/ Baghdad / Iraq. They were allocated from random pool of individuals required to perform seminal fluid analysis. The total number was (161) males. The index finger to ring finger (2D:4D) ratio was calculated after measuring the fingers with vernier. The ratio was correlated with sperm concentration, percentage of actively motile sperms and the percentage of normal sperms in single ejaculate.RESULTS:sperm concentration was negatively correlated with 2D:4D ratio (P=0.004), while no statistical correlation was found between the digit ratio and percentage of actively motile sperm (P=0.82) and the percentage of normal sperms(P=0.84).CONCLUSION:The ration of (2D:4D) is an indicator of sperm concentration. The lower the ratio (indicating longer ring finger), the higher is the sperm concentration. While no significant statistical correlation was found between the digit ratio and the percentages of actively motile sperms and morphologically normal sperms seminal fluid analysis.