About this Research Topic
Anthropometric measurements, encompassing body proportions and asymmetries, are pivotal in understanding prenatal development, postnatal growth, and the onset of various diseases. These measurements are intricately linked to endocrine outcomes, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and adrenal disorders, with obesity being the most prevalent condition diagnosed using Body Mass Index (BMI). Beyond specific disorders, anthropometric markers can also reveal early hormonal exposures. For instance, the digit ratio (2D:4D) is sexually dimorphic and serves as an indicator of prenatal sex steroid exposure, with a lower ratio suggesting higher prenatal testosterone levels. Despite extensive research on the significance of these markers in diagnosing endocrine-related disorders, there remains conflicting evidence regarding their efficacy as hormonal indicators in disease etiology. This highlights the need for a comprehensive exploration of anthropometric markers to better understand their role in disease pathophysiology and hormone exposure.
This research topic aims to delve into the full spectrum of anthropometric markers, elucidating their utility in assessing the impact of prenatal and postnatal hormone exposure on the pathophysiology of various diseases and conditions. The primary objective is to gather studies that investigate the potential of anthropometric features, asymmetries, and ratios in identifying individuals at heightened risk of developing endocrine disorders. Additionally, the research seeks to explore the possible roles of hormones in other disorders, thereby enhancing our understanding of how these markers can aid in diagnosing hormonal imbalances and endocrine diseases. Ultimately, the goal is to leverage these insights to inform public health strategies, such as targeted prophylactic examinations and educational campaigns for at-risk populations.
To gather further insights into the role of anthropometric markers and hormones in disease, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Anthropometric markers for determining prenatal and postnatal exposure to different hormones
• Hormonal and developmental basis for anthropometric features’ diversity
• Anthropometric markers and their use in the diagnosis of endocrine disorders
• Statistical methodology in analyzing the contribution of anthropometric features in endocrine disease development
• Advances in technology for measuring anthropometric markers
• Sex differences in endocrine disease risk and prognosis
This research topic aims to delve into the full spectrum of anthropometric markers, elucidating their utility in assessing the impact of prenatal and postnatal hormone exposure on the pathophysiology of various diseases and conditions. The primary objective is to gather studies that investigate the potential of anthropometric features, asymmetries, and ratios in identifying individuals at heightened risk of developing endocrine disorders. Additionally, the research seeks to explore the possible roles of hormones in other disorders, thereby enhancing our understanding of how these markers can aid in diagnosing hormonal imbalances and endocrine diseases. Ultimately, the goal is to leverage these insights to inform public health strategies, such as targeted prophylactic examinations and educational campaigns for at-risk populations.
To gather further insights into the role of anthropometric markers and hormones in disease, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Anthropometric markers for determining prenatal and postnatal exposure to different hormones
• Hormonal and developmental basis for anthropometric features’ diversity
• Anthropometric markers and their use in the diagnosis of endocrine disorders
• Statistical methodology in analyzing the contribution of anthropometric features in endocrine disease development
• Advances in technology for measuring anthropometric markers
• Sex differences in endocrine disease risk and prognosis
Keywords: Risk factors, predictors, disease screening, anthropometry, sex differences, hormone
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
