Protocol Number: 92-C-0078

Title:

Genetic Factors and Interrelationships for Sexual Orientation, Susceptibility to HIV and Kaposi's Sarcoma, Alcoholism and Psychological Traits, and Histocompatibility Antigens

Number:

92-C-0078

Summary:

We propose to test, by DNA linkage analysis of family pedigree members, the following interrelated hypotheses: 1) that sexual orientation is genetically influenced; 2) that the development of Kaposi's sarcoma and other outcomes of HIV infection in male homosexuals is affected by host susceptibility genes, circulating sex hormone levels, or HLA haplotype; and 3) that alcoholism and other psychobehavioral conditions are associated with homosexuality on a genetic basis and/or influenced by candidate behavioral loci. The subjects for these studies will be self-identified male and female homosexual probands and their relatives from families in which there are at least two individuals with homosexual orientation. All subjects will be adults, and will be referred through NIH physicians, private practitioners, and gay and lesbian organizations. Subjects will undergo a sexual orientation and behaviors interview, a psychiatric interview, and phlebotomy for HIV testing, HLA determination, endocrine measurements, and preparation of DNA from cultured lymphocytes. The DNA samples will be analyzed for a series of genetic markers that span the human genome and for candidate loci chosen for function.

Sponsoring Institute:

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Recruitment Detail

Type: Active Accrual Of New Subjects

Gender: Male & Female

Referral Letter Required: No

Population Exclusion(s): None

Eligibility Criteria:

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

The basic criterion for entering families into the DNA linkage study is the presence of two or more homosexual siblings of the same sex. Additional criteria will be imposed depending on the aims of the particular project.

Special Instructions: Currently Not Provided

Keywords:

Genetic Linkage

Sex Behavior

AIDS

Alcohol Dependence

HLA System

Cancer

Recruitment Keywords:

None

Conditions:

Alcoholism

HIV Infection

Homosexuality

Kaposi's Sarcoma

Investigational Drug(s):

None

Investigational Device(s):

None

Contacts:

Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office
Building 61
10 Cloister Court
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4754
Toll Free: 1-800-411-1222
TTY: 301-594-9774 (local),1-866-411-1010 (toll free)
Fax: 301-480-9793

Electronic Mail:prpl@mail.cc.nih.gov

Citations:

Evidence of familial nature of male homosexuality

A genetic study of male sexual orientation

Homosexual orientation in twins: a report on 61 pairs and 3 triplet sets

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Bethesda, Maryland 20892. Last update: 10/21/2004