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Relation between sexual practices and T-cell subsets in homosexually active men
Lancet (London, England)
|March 19, 1983
Summary
A study found that 27% of young, non-ill, homosexually active men had low Leu-3(OKT4)/Leu-2(OKT8) ratios, potentially indicating acquired immune augmentation, distinct from acquired immune deficiency syndrome. This immune alteration was linked to receptive anal intercourse.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Homosexually active men have been identified as a population at risk for immune dysregulation.
- Previous studies have noted alterations in T-cell subsets in this demographic.
- The relationship between specific sexual practices and immune parameters requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate T-cell subset ratios, specifically Leu-3(OKT4)/Leu-2(OKT8), in young, non-ill, homosexually active men.
- To explore potential associations between immune alterations and sexual behaviors, including anal intercourse.
- To differentiate between potential immune states, such as acquired immune augmentation and acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Leu-3(OKT4)/Leu-2(OKT8) ratios in 89 young, non-ill, homosexually active men in Los Angeles.
- Comparison of T-cell subset counts between individuals with low Leu-3/Leu-2 ratios, individuals with acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and control groups.
- Statistical analysis to determine the significance of differences in Leu-2 cell counts based on anal intercourse practices (passive vs. active vs. none).
Main Results:
- 27% of the study cohort exhibited a Leu-3(OKT4)/Leu-2(OKT8) ratio ≤ 0.8.
- This low ratio was primarily attributed to a significantly elevated number of Leu-2(OKT8) cells.
- Individuals practicing passive (receptive) anal intercourse showed a significantly higher mean number of Leu-2 cells compared to those practicing active (insertive) or no anal intercourse.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest the existence of at least two distinct immunological conditions in homosexually active men.
- "Acquired immune augmentation" is proposed as a term for individuals with a low Leu-3/Leu-2 ratio due to increased Leu-2 cells.
- The study highlights a significant association between passive anal intercourse and acquired immune augmentation, warranting further research into its relationship with acquired immune deficiency syndrome.