Low androgens in utero linked to increase risk of MS in males #AAN2015 #MSBlog #MSResearch
“I note there has been some recent discussions about testosterone and MS. Two presentations at the AAN link low testosterone levels in utero or early childhood with an increased risk of MS. The first study shows that the ratio of the length of the ring finger to the index finger, the so called 2D:4D ratio, is higher in male MSers than controls. A lower 2D:4D ratio is associated with lower prenatal (before birth) or in utero (in the womb) androgen levels (testosterone is one of the androgens). The second study, done by the brilliant Julia Pakpoor (still in medical school) using NHS hospital records report a strong positive association (a five-fold elevation of rates) between testicular hypofunction and the subsequent development of MS in males. If these studies are correct this is another emerging risk factor that can be targeted when thinking of preventing, or at least lowering, the risk of developing MS. The latter must not be confused with the hypothesis that testosterone may be used as a disease-modifying therapy to treat MS. I am aware that there is emerging evidence for this, but until properly designed and powered studies are done we can’t be sure. We also need to be aware that testosterone supplementation comes with risk, the most concerning include cancer and cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction and stroke).”
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