Biochemical and Genetic Determinants of Dermatoglyphic Patterns: An Anatomical Basis for Forensic and Genetic Profiling

The current study aims to investigate an anatomical, biochemical, and genetic mechanisms involved in the development of dermatoglyphic patterns during embryogenesis and to evaluate the relationship between dermatoglyphic traits and genetic or developmental disorders, highlighting their potential value as non-invasive phenotypic biomarkers. A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted in the Department of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. A total of 122 participants were selected using systematic or stratified random sampling. Dermatoglyphic data were collected using digital biometric scanners, and ridge counts, pattern types, ATD angles, and palmar crease morphology were analyzed using standardized software. Biochemical markers, including prenatal cortisol and glucose, were quantified through validated laboratory assays, while genotyping for SNP variants (rs1123, rs2098, rs3172) was performed on DNA collected from buccal swabs. Data were analyzed using STATA with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, ANOVA, correlation analyses, and multivariable linear regression. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Loops were the most frequent dermatoglyphic pattern (60.7%), followed by whorls (28.7%) and arches (10.6%). Participants with elevated prenatal cortisol/glucose exhibited significantly lower total finger ridge counts (TFRC) than those with normal biochemical profiles (116.0 ± 23.4 vs. 129.2 ± 19.7, p = 0.002). The rs1123 genotype showed a dose-dependent effect on ridge count (AA: 131.8 ± 18.5, AG: 123.5 ± 20.9, GG: 115.4 ± 24.6, p = 0.019), with GG carriers also presenting larger ATD angles (45.0° ± 4.5, p = 0.031). Multivariable regression indicated that each additional G allele of rs1123 decreased TFRC by 6.12 ridges (p = 0.004), and elevated prenatal cortisol decreased TFRC by 5.34 ridges (p = 0.002). Male participants had slightly higher ridge counts than females (β = 2.87, p = 0.049), whereas ethnicity did not significantly influence ridge count. Dermatoglyphic patterns are strongly influenced by genetic polymorphisms and prenatal biochemical factors, highlighting their potential as non-invasive biomarkers for forensic and genetic profiling. These results emphasize the multifactorial nature of dermatoglyphic development and support their utility in biomedical and forensic applications.