LGBTQ+ identity and its association with inflammation and cellular immune function

IF 8.8 2区医学 Q1 IMMUNOLOGY

Brain, Behavior, and Immunity Pub Date : 2025-02-24 DOI:10.1016/j.bbi.2025.02.032

Ethan Morgan , Claire M. Kamp Dush , Thomas W. McDade , Juan Peng , Rebecca R. Andridge , Steve W. Cole , Wendy Manning , Lisa M. Christian

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Self-identification among lesbian, gay, transgender, queer, and other sexual minorities (LGBTQ+) is complex and multifaceted, yet few studies have examined its impact on immune parameters. The National Couples’ Health and Time Study (NCHAT) is a nationally-representative cohort of 3,642 adult main respondents, ages 20 to 60 years, who are married or cohabiting, among whom 45 % self-identify as a non-heterosexual identity. Biological data were collected from a subset in the NCHAT Stress Biology study (NCHAT-BIO). The current analyses focus on data from 289 participants in NCHAT-BIO who identified as a non-heterosexual identity. Participants self-reported demographic, mental health, and LGBTQ+ identity items. Finger stick dried blood spot (DBS) sampling was self-administered by participants and assayed for C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Multivariable regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between each of the biomarkers and: 1) individual LGBTQ+ identity items and 2) latent profiles of LGBTQ+ identity items. Models were adjusted for demographic factors and other confounders. Among those assigned female at birth, a greater sense of pride in one’s LGBTQ+ identity was associated with lower EBV antibody levels. Among those assigned male at birth, greater desire to keep one’s identity private was associated with elevated CRP while those who would choose to be straight or wish they were heterosexual had elevated levels of IL-6. Meanwhile, being proud of one’s LGBTQ+ identity predicted lower IL-6. These results provide novel evidence from a large sample that internalized stigma related to one’s LGBTQ+ identity is associated with elevated inflammation and poorer cellular immune function while identity affirmation is associated with reduced inflammation. Future research should aim to develop and target both behavioral and biomedical interventions aimed at reducing health disparities among sexual minority populations.

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女同性恋、男同性恋、跨性别者、同性恋者和其他性少数群体（LGBTQ+）的自我认同是复杂和多方面的，但很少有研究探讨其对免疫参数的影响。全国夫妇健康与时间研究（NCHAT）是一个具有全国代表性的队列，共有 3,642 名已婚或同居的成年主要受访者，年龄在 20 岁至 60 岁之间，其中 45% 的人自我认同为非异性恋身份。生物数据收集自国家人类健康状况调查委员会压力生物学研究（NCHAT-BIO）中的一个子集。本次分析的重点是 NCHAT-BIO 研究中 289 名自称非异性恋者的参与者的数据。参与者自我报告了人口统计学、心理健康和 LGBTQ+ 身份项目。参与者自行进行指签干血斑（DBS）采样，并检测 C 反应蛋白（CRP）、白细胞介素-6（IL-6）和 Epstein-Barr 病毒（EBV）抗体。多变量回归分析用于评估每种生物标志物与以下各项之间的关系：1）单个 LGBTQ+ 身份项目；2）LGBTQ+ 身份项目的潜在特征。模型根据人口统计学因素和其他混杂因素进行了调整。在出生时被分配为女性的人群中，对自己的 LGBTQ+ 身份有更强的自豪感与较低的 EBV 抗体水平相关。在那些出生时就被分配为男性的人中，更希望保持自己身份隐私的人与 CRP 升高有关，而那些选择做异性恋者或希望自己是异性恋者的人 IL-6 水平升高。与此同时，为自己的 LGBTQ+ 身份感到自豪会降低 IL-6 水平。这些结果从一个大样本中提供了新的证据，表明与 LGBTQ+ 身份相关的内化耻辱感与炎症升高和细胞免疫功能降低有关，而身份肯定与炎症降低有关。未来的研究应着眼于开发和有针对性地采取行为和生物医学干预措施，以减少性少数群体的健康差异。

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来源期刊

Brain, Behavior, and Immunity 医学-免疫学

CiteScore

29.60

自引率

2.00%

发文量

290

审稿时长

28 days

期刊介绍： Established in 1987, Brain, Behavior, and Immunity proudly serves as the official journal of the Psychoneuroimmunology Research Society (PNIRS). This pioneering journal is dedicated to publishing peer-reviewed basic, experimental, and clinical studies that explore the intricate interactions among behavioral, neural, endocrine, and immune systems in both humans and animals. As an international and interdisciplinary platform, Brain, Behavior, and Immunity focuses on original research spanning neuroscience, immunology, integrative physiology, behavioral biology, psychiatry, psychology, and clinical medicine. The journal is inclusive of research conducted at various levels, including molecular, cellular, social, and whole organism perspectives. With a commitment to efficiency, the journal facilitates online submission and review, ensuring timely publication of experimental results. Manuscripts typically undergo peer review and are returned to authors within 30 days of submission. It's worth noting that Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, published eight times a year, does not impose submission fees or page charges, fostering an open and accessible platform for scientific discourse.