JMIR Research Protocols (Oct 2021)

Understanding the Associations of Prenatal Androgen Exposure on Sleep Physiology, Circadian Proteins, Anthropometric Parameters, Hormonal Factors, Quality of Life, and Sex Among Healthy Young Adults: Protocol for an International, Multicenter Study

  • Wojciech Kuczyński,
  • Erik Wibowo,
  • Tetsuro Hoshino,
  • Aleksandra Kudrycka,
  • Aleksandra Małolepsza,
  • Urszula Karwowska,
  • Milena Pruszkowska,
  • Jakub Wasiak,
  • Aleksandra Kuczyńska,
  • Jakub Spałka,
  • Paulina Pruszkowska-Przybylska,
  • Łukasz Mokros,
  • Adam Białas,
  • Piotr Białasiewicz,
  • Ryujiro Sasanabe,
  • Mark Blagrove,
  • John Manning

DOI
https://doi.org/10.2196/29199
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 10
p. e29199

Abstract

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BackgroundThe ratio of the second finger length to the fourth finger length (2D:4D ratio) is considered to be negatively correlated with prenatal androgen exposure (PAE) and positively correlated with prenatal estrogen. Coincidentally, various brain regions are sensitive to PAE, and their functions in adults may be influenced by the prenatal actions of sex hormones. ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the relationship between PAE (indicated by the 2D:4D ratio) and various physiological (sex hormone levels and sleep-wake parameters), psychological (mental health), and sexual parameters in healthy young adults. MethodsThis study consists of two phases. In phase 1, we will conduct a survey-based study and anthropometric assessments (including 2D:4D ratio and BMI) in healthy young adults. Using validated questionnaires, we will collect self-reported data on sleep quality, sexual function, sleep chronotype, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. In phase 2, a subsample of phase 1 will undergo polysomnography and physiological and genetic assessments. Sleep architecture data will be obtained using portable polysomnography. The levels of testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, melatonin, and circadian regulatory proteins (circadian locomotor output cycles kaput [CLOCK], timeless [TIM], and period [PER]) and the expression levels of some miRNAs will be measured using blood samples. The rest and activity cycle will be monitored using actigraphy for a 7-day period. ResultsIn Poland, 720 participants were recruited for phase 1. Among these, 140 completed anthropometric measurements. In addition, 25 participants joined and completed phase 2 data collection. Recruitment from other sites will follow. ConclusionsFindings from our study may help to better understand the plausible role of PAE in sleep physiology, mental health, and sexual quality of life in young adults. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/29199