European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Through an epigenetic mechanism, a woman's total lifetime oestrogen exposure accumulates changes in her DNA methylation pattern. These changes can influence the developing fetus and the resulting epigenetic aberrations is said to be reflected in the dermatoglyphic patterns.  Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) is the difference of dermatoglyphic patterns between the right and left hand. Aim: To explore the association of FA of dermatoglyphics with the reproductive factors in an epigenetic perspective to identify breast cancer risk. Methods: The participants are grouped into three based on the selection criteria as a breast cancer, high risk and control group. The data are collected through digital photographic images. The variables include FA of the finger ridge count (FRC) of Thumb, Ring Finger, and the A-B Ridge Count. The variables of reproductive factors includes increased menstrual age, Nulliparity and first full-term pregnancy >30yrs, and Positive Family History.  Result: Among the reproductive factors involved in the study, The FA thumb is strongly associated with increased menstrual age, FA ring finger is strongly associated with nulliparity and FA subtotal ridge count is observed to be strongly associated with increased menstrual age at significance level of p<0.0001. Age at first full term pregnancy is not significantly associated with any of the dermatoglyphic variables Positive family history is significantly associated with all the dermatoglyphic variable with p<0.0001.Conclusion: FA of dermatoglyphics aids to identify the in-utero epigenetic aberrations of a females linked to breast cancer risk.