The digit ratio (2D:4D) has been associated with prenatal hormonal influences and various traits and pathologies. This article explores the relationship between 2D:4D and a series of common polymorphisms and Torque Teno Viruses. In this study, 120 healthy participants were included. The IGF2 Apa I, ACE I/D, INS -23 Hph I, VDR Fok I, VDR Apa I, VDR Taq I, AT1R A1166C polymorphism were genotyped by PCR-RFLP technique, and the IL-6 -174 G/C polymorphism by tetra-primer ARMS-PCR. The presence of TTV was identified by a hemi-nested PCR technique. Haplotype analyses were performed using the SHEsis software. The average 2D:4D values were similar for men and women. Overweight men presented higher 2D4D ratios than normal-weight women (p<0.05). Lower 2D:4D values were recorded in women with pregnancy loss or one child or none (p<0.001). Men with lower 2D4D ratios reported a higher number of children (p<0.001). The IGF2 GG and ACE DD were associated with a higher digit ratio in all subjects and in the women’s subset. A significant association was found in men between 2D:4D and the INS-23 Hph I – IGF2 Apa I T-G haplotype (p<0.01). The data obtained in this study indicate a sexual dimorphism for the digit ratio. The associations between 2D:4D and the genetic polymorphisms studied could be influenced by gender.
Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal condition, characterized by a microarchitectural degradation of bone density and quality, giving low resistance and an increased risk of fracture. Osteoporosis is an important public health problem, with considerable medical, social and economic impact. Data accumulated in recent years demonstrate a significant incidence of osteoporosis in the group of patients with major collagen diseases; of these, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is the prototype of autoimmune disease in which osteoporosis and associated complications have a significant clinical impact. Although additional studies are needed to deepen the relationship between SLE - osteoporosis - associated fractures, we believe that these patients should be managed from the early stages of the disease.
As reported by literature, rheumatoid arthritis is a rheumatic disease with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular complications. Early detection of atherosclerosis by non-invasive techniques represent a current challenge of patient management. Current EULAR guidelines recommend careful monitoring of cardiovascular risk factors by stratification of patients and strict control of rheumatic disease activity to reduce it. The classic evaluation of intima- medium thickness (IMT) was completed by quantifying the degree of inflammation of the carotid plate using positron emission tomography or the degree of coronary calcifications by calculating Agatston score using Coronary Computer Tomography. These modern investigation techniques allow identification of several subclinical stages of atherosclerosis, the interest in their early detection resulting from the fact that, in this stage, through specific measures, the cardiovascular complications can be prevented.
