title: Advances in the research of melatonin in autism spectrum disorders: literature review and new perspectives.
abstract: Abnormalities in melatonin physiology may be involved or closely linked to the pathophysiology and behavioral expression of autistic disorder, given its role in neurodevelopment and reports of sleep-wake rhythm disturbances, decreased nocturnal melatonin production, and beneficial therapeutic effects of melatonin in individuals with autism. In addition, melatonin, as a pineal gland hormone produced from serotonin, is of special interest in autistic disorder given reported alterations in central and peripheral serotonin neurobiology. More specifically, the role of melatonin in the ontogenetic establishment of circadian rhythms and the synchronization of peripheral oscillators opens interesting perspectives to ascertain better the mechanisms underlying the significant relationship found between lower nocturnal melatonin excretion and increased severity of autistic social communication impairments, especially for verbal communication and social imitative play. In this article, first we review the studies on melatonin levels and the treatment studies of melatonin in autistic disorder. Then, we discuss the relationships between melatonin and autistic behavioral impairments with regard to social communication (verbal and non-verbal communication, social interaction), and repetitive behaviors or interests with difficulties adapting to change. In conclusion, we emphasize that randomized clinical trials in autism spectrum disorders are warranted to establish potential therapeutic efficacy of melatonin for social communication impairments and stereotyped behaviors or interests.
authors.affiliation: Hospital-University Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Guillaume Régnier Hospital, Rennes 1 University, Rennes 35000, France. s.tordjman@yahoo.fr.
authors.forename: Sylvie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tordjman
authors.forename: Imen
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Najjar
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bellissant
authors.forename: George M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Marianne
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Barburoth
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Nemat
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Jaafari
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Schischmanoff
authors.forename: Rémi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fagard
authors.forename: Enas
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lagdas
authors.forename: Solenn
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kermarrec
authors.forename: Sophie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ribardiere
authors.forename: Michel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Botbol
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fougerou
authors.forename: Guillaume
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bronsard
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vernay-Leconte
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D003147:Communication Disorders / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008550:Melatonin / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D008550:Melatonin