ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Autism is a complex disorder, inuenced by genetic and environmental factors. The major endophenotypes of autism are sensory and circadian dysfunction and immune dysregulation. The two major observable phenotypes of circadian dysfunctions are difculties in sleeping and cognitive decits. Melatonin seems to be a central molecule, as it functions vary from antioxidant properties and immune regulation to maintenance of sleep and circadian architecture, and many others. This chapter looks into the various biochemical and genetic evidences for the association of melatonin with autism. A lower melatonin level in autism has been reported by several investigators. Maternal levels of melatonin can also inuence the development of the disease. Therefore, it is imperative to maintain a normal level of all the molecules that can inuence the synthesis of melatonin. In this chapter we demonstrate ways and means to maintain melatonin levels by dietary modication, which can intervene at various steps in the melatonin synthesis and maintain the resultant melatonin levels. We also suggest that understanding the molecular mechanism involved in the biosynthetic process of melatonin in autism might help in addressing phenotypic variants in the disease.
