Preprint Review Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Melatonin as an Interventional Novel Candidate for the Individual with Autistic Fragile X Syndrome in Human

Version 1 : Received: 14 March 2017 / Approved: 15 March 2017 / Online: 15 March 2017 (07:40:49 CET)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Won, J.; Jin, Y.; Choi, J.; Park, S.; Lee, T.H.; Lee, S.-R.; Chang, K.-T.; Hong, Y. Melatonin as a Novel Interventional Candidate for Fragile X Syndrome with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Humans. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18, 1314. Won, J.; Jin, Y.; Choi, J.; Park, S.; Lee, T.H.; Lee, S.-R.; Chang, K.-T.; Hong, Y. Melatonin as a Novel Interventional Candidate for Fragile X Syndrome with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Humans. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18, 1314.

Abstract

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most frequent monogenic form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autistic FXS is caused by loss of the fmr1 gene product, the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), triggering physiological and behavioral abnormalities. It is correlated with clock components for behavioral circadian rhythm. Mutation of this gene causes the disturbances in sleep patterns and circadian behavior commonly observed in patients with autistic FXS, accompanied by frequent dysregulation of melatonin synthesis and melatonin-dependent signaling. These changes impair vigilance, learning and memory, and are also linked to autistic behavior including the abnormal anxiety response. However, although several possible causes, symptoms, and clinical features of ASD have been investigated, the correlation between an altered circadian rhythm and autistic FXS has not been extensively studied. Recent works have highlighted the impact of melatonin on the nervous, immune, and metabolic systems. Even though utilization of melatonin for sleep disorder in ASD has been considered in clinical research, further studies should be aimed at its neuroprotective role in ASD during developmental period. In this review, we focus on the regulatory circuits involved in melatonin dysregulation and circadian system disruption in those with autistic FXS. Additionally, we discuss the neuroprotective effect of melatonin intervention. This may improve neuroplasticity and physical capability. We also review the underlying molecular mechanisms, and suggest that melatonin may be a useful novel treatment for autistic FXS, countering the adverse effects of circadian variation.

Keywords

autism spectrum disorders; fragile X syndrome (FXS); sleep disorder; melatonin

Subject

Medicine and Pharmacology, Neuroscience and Neurology

Comments (0)

We encourage comments and feedback from a broad range of readers. See criteria for comments and our Diversity statement.

Leave a public comment
Send a private comment to the author(s)
* All users must log in before leaving a comment
Views 0
Downloads 0
Comments 0
Metrics 0


×
Alerts
Notify me about updates to this article or when a peer-reviewed version is published.
We use cookies on our website to ensure you get the best experience.
Read more about our cookies here.