Genetic Variants Associated With Male Pedophilic Sexual Interest.

Abstract

The etiology of sexual preference disorders (paraphilias) in general and pedophilia in particular remains unknown. There are some indications of biological factors related to pedophilic interest and pedophilic disorder. To examine single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) potentially associated with pedophilic sexual interest. The sample consisted of 1,672 men 18 to 45 years old from the Genetics of Sex and Aggression sample who had submitted saliva samples. Fifty-four SNPs were genotyped and relevant SNPs were analyzed. A self-report questionnaire designed specifically for the Genetics of Sex and Aggression sample was used to measure sexual interest in and sexual behavior toward children and adolescents. DNA extraction and genotyping were used to measure possible associations between male pedophilia and SNPs. Before controlling for multiple testing, statistically significant associations were found for SNPs linked to androgen, estrogen, prolactin, corticotrophin, serotonin, and oxytocin. No associations remained significant after controlling for multiple testing. The results of the present study suggest a complex biological mechanism affecting adult sexual interest in children. Very small effect sizes characterized the findings, and several polymorphisms related to different hormonal functioning were initially related to the phenotype.