• Bolaji Fatai Oyeyemi, Oluyinka Ajibola Iyiola, Adekunle Wahab Oyeyemi, Kokori Audu Oricha, Abass Toba Anifowoshe, and Nanfizat Abiket Alamukii.
• Department of Zoology, Cell Biology and Genetics Unit, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
• J Res Med Sci. 2014 Mar 1; 19 (3): 234-9.

BackgroundRatio of second and fourth digit (2D:4D) is known to be germane in analyzing utero concentrations of testosterone and estrogen in human and other vertebrates. 2D:4D had been linked to several traits like athletes' abilities, reproductive success, risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clustering of several cardiovascular risk factors. Waist circumference (WC), neck circumference (NC), body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) are important in measuring MetS. This study investigated sexual dimorphism in 2D:4D and its relationship with MetS indices and CVD factors among adult residing in Ilorin, North central Nigeria.Materials And MethodsThis is a cross-sectional, stratified multi-staged sampling study. Participants residing in different neighborhoods were visited at home where finger lengths and anthropometric traits were measured. Participants include 801 healthy adults aged 18-44 years (56% male) who had been living in the area for more than 3 years.ResultsMales showed significantly lower 2D:4D than females (unpaired t-test; t [699] = 11.49, P = 0.001). A significant positive correlation was observed in MetS markers and 2D:4D. WHtR showed the highest correlation with 2D:4D in male (r = 0.461, P ≤ 0.001) and female (r = 0.408, P ≤ 0.001) when compared with BMI, NC and WC. All positive correlations recorded in this study were high in male and right hand.ConclusionOur results showed that 2D:4D is sexual dimorphic and right hand 2D:4D as a predictor of MetS is better. We concluded that 2D:4D is a proxy for MetS and CVD risk factors in Ilorin.

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