Association between the ABO Type, Rh Factor and the 2D:4D Ratio: A Cross-Sectional Study in Ghana
Published: 2024-07-31
Page: 115-125
Issue: 2024 - Volume 7 [Issue 3]
Moses Banyeh *
Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
Martha Nyewie
Department of Public Health, Community Nurses Training School, Ministry of Health, Tamale, Ghana.
Abdul-Rafik Abdulai
Department of Histology and Histotechnology, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
Charles Nkansah
Department of Haematology, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
Gabriel Abbam
Department of Haematology, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
Thea Kangkpi
Department of Infectious Diseases, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
Kervin Edinam Zogli
Department of Immunology and Immunodiagnostics, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
Shafiat Omotoyosi Shittu
Department of Population and Reproductive Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
Augusta S. Kolekang
Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Disease Control, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
Muniru Mohammed Tanko
Department of Immunology and Immunodiagnostics, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
Peter Eugene Atuahene
Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
Aisha Yaaba Iddrisu
Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
Christine Ekor
Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
Emmanuel Osei Akoto
Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: The second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is the putative marker of prenatal androgen exposure. The 2D:4D ratio tends to be lower in males than females; however, there are population variabilities. Previous studies have suggested a possible association between the ABO and Rhesus blood group systems with the 2D:4D ratio. This observation has not been tested in a Ghanaian population.
Study Design: The study was cross-sectional.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Tamale between May and June 2021.
Methodology: There were 206 participants comprising males (n=94) and females (n=112), aged 18 to 32 years. The right digit ratio (2D:4DR), the left digit ratio (2D:4DL) and the right-left difference in digit ratio (Dr-l) were measured using computer-assisted analysis. The ABO blood type and the Rh factor were determined using monoclonal antibodies. The effect sizes were reported as either Hedge’s g for a t-test or partial Eta-squared (ηp2) for the one-way ANOVA test.
Results: Males’ 2D:4DL was lower than females with a small effect size (P= 0.033, g: 0.28). The differences in digit ratios by the ABO blood type had small to medium effect sizes in both males and females (P ≥ 0.050, ηp2: 0.00-.08). In females, the 2D:4DR of participants with Rh- was higher while the 2D:4DL and the Dr-l were lower than participants with the Rh+ with medium to large effect sizes (P< 0.050, g: 0.56, 0.84, 2.72 respectively). In males, the 2D:4DL and the Dr-l were higher in participants with Rh+ than the Rh- participants with large effect sizes (P< 0.050, g: 1.00, 2.52 respectively).
Conclusion: The expression of the Rhesus factor may affect the expression of the 2D:4D ratio in the study population.
Keywords: 2D:4D ratio, prenatal androgens, ABO blood type, Rh factor, Ghana