Abstract (eng)
Subject of this thesis is the evaluation of the distribution of middle-phalangeal hair and its suitability as a potential retrospective marker in regard to the activity of prenatal sex hormones. For this purpose, general characteristics of the attribute are described, in addition to other factors that may have an influence such as genetic and hormonal coefficients, gender, ethnicity, age and deviation in symmetry.
Since the suitability of the attribute as a retrospective hormone marker depends most notably on its gender-specific manifestation, this has been examined in detail in the following meta-analysis comprising 190 samples out of 75 different studies. Though the results display a small overall effect size (RR = 1.121) they also highlight a considerable heterogeneity of the control samples. A more detailed analysis, using the profile-likelihood method for modelling unobserved heterogeneity resulted in a 2-component model showing the best possible conformance regarding the empirical data. In addition, significant covariates such as ethnicity, age and deviation in symmetry have been added to the model. Furthermore, a slight publication bias has become evident along with the heterogeneity of the effect sizes.
The possibility of sex hormones having a prenatal impact on this examined characteristic cannot be ruled out; however, it is clear that the gender-specific manifestation of this characteristic relies on other factors as well. Therefore, practical application of middle-phalangeal hair as a retrospective hormone marker, to further the exploration of hormonal mechanisms of action, cannot be supported.