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Research Article Volume 10 Issue 2
The connection between genetic anomalies and dermatoglyphics: insights from chromosomal, monogenic, and polygenic disorders
E. Kobyliansky, Leonid Kalichman
Received: July 28, 2025 | Published: September 16, 2025
Citation: Kobyliansky E, Kalichman L. The connection between genetic anomalies and dermatoglyphics: insights from chromosomal, monogenic, and polygenic disorders. J His Arch & Anthropol Sci. 2025;10(1):49‒56. DOI: 10.15406/jhaas.2025.10.00324
Abstract
Background: Dermatoglyphics, the study of epidermal ridge patterns on fingers, palms, and soles, provides stable markers for genetic and developmental anomalies due to their formation during early fetal development. Genetic disorders, including chromosomal, monogenic, and polygenic conditions, are often linked to altered dermatoglyphic traits and increased fluctuating asymmetry (FA), indicating developmental instability. Aims: This study investigates the relationship between genetic anomalies and dermatoglyphic traits, focusing on quantitative and discrete patterns, variability, and FA in individuals with chromosomal syndromes (Turner, Klinefelter, Down), cystic fibrosis (CF), cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P), and endometrial/cervical carcinoma, compared to healthy controls. Methods: Dermatoglyphic data from approximately 2,450 Israeli individuals, including patients, their parents, and controls, were analyzed. Finger and palm prints were evaluated for 64 traits, including ridge counts, pattern frequencies, and FA indices. Statistical analyses included χ² tests, ANOV A, Kruskal-Wallis tests, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and discriminant analysis to differentiate patient and control groups. Results: Chromosomal syndromes exhibited the most significant dermatoglyphic deviations, with increased ulnar loops, altered ridge counts, and elevated FA (e.g., atd angle, a-b ridge breadth). CF and CL/P patients showed moderate deviations and higher FA, while carcinoma patients displayed distinct patterns and FA. Parents of affected individuals exhibited intermediate traits. PCA and discriminant analysis achieved 80–90% accuracy in distinguishing groups. Conclusion: Genetic anomalies are associated with distinct dermatoglyphic alterations and elevated FA, reflecting disrupted developmental homeostasis. Dermatoglyphics offers potential as a non-invasive tool for early diagnosis and genetic counseling in clinical genetics.
Keywords: dermatoglyphics, genetic anomalies, fluctuating asymmetry, developmental homeostasis, chromosomal syndromes
©2025 Kobyliansky, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.