Nocturnal excretion of 6-sulphatoxymelatonin in children and adolescents with autistic disorder
Abstract
Background Many studies in autistic disorder report sleep problems and altered circadian rhythms, suggesting abnormalities in melatonin physiology. Additionally, melatonin, a pineal gland hormone produced from serotonin, is of special interest in autistic disorder given reported alterations in central and peripheral serotonin neurobiology.Methods Nocturnal urinary excretion of 6-sulphatoxymelatonin was measured by radioimmunoassay in groups of children and adolescents with autistic disorder (n = 49) and normal control individuals (n = 88) matched on age, sex, and Tanner stage of puberty.Results Nocturnal 6-sulphatoxymelatonin excretion rate was significantly and substantially lower in patients with autism than in normal controls (mean +/- SEM, .75 +/- .11 vs. 1.80 +/- .17 microg/hr, p =.0001), and was significantly negatively correlated with severity of autistic impairments in verbal communication and play (p < .05).Conclusions These findings indicate clearly that nocturnal production of melatonin is reduced in autism. Further research is warranted in order to understand the mechanisms underlying the lower melatonin production, to assess the impact of altered melatonin on the pathophysiology and behavioral expression of autistic disorder, and to determine the utility of melatonin administration in individuals with autism.
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The summer-birth association strengthens the hypothesis of a possible role of a deficit in melatonin in the development of ASD.
“It strengthens the hypothesis developed by several authors [for a review, see Ref. (83–85)] of a possible role of a deficit in melatonin in the development of ASD (the production of melatonin is powerfully suppressed by light acting through the retino-hypothalamic tract).”
From Gene × Environment Interactions in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Role of Epigenetic Mechanisms (2014) · cites this paper as [83]
The most consistent related finding in prepubertal children, pubertal adolescents and young adults with ASD is reduced melatonin levels in the evening.
“The most consistent related finding in prepubertal children, pubertal adolescents and young adults with ASD is reduced melatonin levels in the evening99–102.”
From Rhythms of life: circadian disruption and brain disorders across the lifespan (2019) · cites this paper as [99]
Low plasma melatonin concentration is a frequent trait in ASD patients, caused by a primary deficit in acetylserotonin-methyl-transferase (ASMT) activity.
“low plasma melatonin concentration is a frequent trait in ASD patients,100,101caused by a primary deficit in acetylserotonin-melhyl-transferase (ASMT) activity.”
From Autism risk factors: genes, environment, and gene-environment interactions (2012) · cites this paper as [101]
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- Authors
- Tordjman, S., Anderson, G. M., Pichard, N., Charbuy, H., & Touitou, Y.
- Affiliations
- Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital (FR)
- Yale University (US)
- Sorbonne Université (FR)
- Corresponding author
- Tordjman, Sylvie
- Venue
- Biological Psychiatry
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2005-01
- Volume
- 57
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 134-138
- ISSN
- 0006-3223 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2022062383
- Cited by
- 296
- References
- 48
- Citations by year
- 2026: 6 · 2025: 19 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 16 · 2022: 19 · 2021: 23 · 2020: 15 · 2019: 17 · 2018: 16 · 2017: 12 · 2016: 13 · 2015: 14 · 2014: 14 · 2013: 17 · 2012: 10
- FWCI
- 4.28
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Biological Psychiatry (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Endocrine and Autonomic Systems › Circadian rhythm and melatonin
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Sleep and related disorders
- Keywords
- 6-sulfatoxymelatonin, melatonin, autism spectrum disorder, autistic disorder, urinary melatonin excretion, circadian rhythm, sleep disorders, serotonin, melatonin supplementation, children and adolescents
- MeSH terms
- Adolescent, Analysis of Variance, Autistic Disorder, Child, Circadian Rhythm, Communication Disorders, Female, Humans, Intelligence Tests, Male, Melatonin, Neuropsychological Tests, Play and Playthings, Reference Values, Severity of Illness Index, Verbal Behavior
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