Biomaterial Database

Melatonin and Circadian Rhythm in Autism Spectrum Disorders. 2020

A Selma Yenen, and H Tuna Çak

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders of early childhood which are characterized by limited social-emotional reciprocity and restricted, repetitive patterns of interest and behaviors. The pathophysiology of ASD has not been fully elucidated. Dysregulation of circadian rhythm and melatonin might play a role in ASD pathogenesis. This article aims to review the relationship between melatonin, circadian rhythm and ASD in detail. Articles published in the PubMed database between 1990- 2019 were reviewed and prominent studies in the scope of the review were included. Decreased melatonin levels were detected frequently in ASD and melatonin replacement treatment for sleep disorders accompanying ASD has given satisfactory results. Similarly, circadian rhythm disorders were frequently reported in ASD, which might increase the susceptibility to ASD through their effects on synaptic plasticity in the early neurodevelopment. Mutations in the clock-controlled genes were also common in ASD. Further are required for understanding the relationship between melatonin, circadian rhythm and ASD, which will not only shed light on the role of melatonin in the etiology of ASD, but may also guide to early intervention options.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008550	Melatonin	A biogenic amine that is found in animals and plants. In mammals, melatonin is produced by the PINEAL GLAND. Its secretion increases in darkness and decreases during exposure to light. Melatonin is implicated in the regulation of SLEEP, mood, and REPRODUCTION. Melatonin is also an effective antioxidant.
D002940	Circadian Rhythm	The regular recurrence, in cycles of about 24 hours, of biological processes or activities, such as sensitivity to drugs or environmental and physiological stimuli.	Diurnal Rhythm,Nyctohemeral Rhythm,Twenty-Four Hour Rhythm,Nycthemeral Rhythm,Circadian Rhythms,Diurnal Rhythms,Nycthemeral Rhythms,Nyctohemeral Rhythms,Rhythm, Circadian,Rhythm, Diurnal,Rhythm, Nycthemeral,Rhythm, Nyctohemeral,Rhythm, Twenty-Four Hour,Rhythms, Circadian,Rhythms, Diurnal,Rhythms, Nycthemeral,Rhythms, Nyctohemeral,Rhythms, Twenty-Four Hour,Twenty Four Hour Rhythm,Twenty-Four Hour Rhythms
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000067877	Autism Spectrum Disorder	Wide continuum of associated cognitive and neurobehavioral disorders, including, but not limited to, three core-defining features: impairments in socialization, impairments in verbal and nonverbal communication, and restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviors. (from DSM-V)	Autistic Spectrum Disorder,Autism Spectrum Disorders,Autistic Spectrum Disorders,Disorder, Autistic Spectrum