The Dual Actions of Melatonin and Ghrelin Hormones in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents a multifaceted neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a variety of contributing factors, including hormonal dysregulation. A variety of clinical investigations and hormonal research have indicated the role of neuroprotective hormones; melatonin and ghrelin in autism. The present investigation sought to explore the possible actions of melatonin and ghrelin in ASD and to clarify the related hormonal imbalance. This case-control study examined melatonin, acyl ghrelin (AG), glutamate, and inflammatory indices and also designed structured survey provide information on their child’s sleep habits, appetite, and how sleep may influence behavior and eating patterns in 53 autistic individual and 37 age and sex-matched neurotypicals. Measurements of biochemical parameters in the blood were conducted utilizing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and complete blood count in the laboratory to assess inflammatory indices: Systemic Immune-Inflammatory Index (SII), Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). Melatonin, AG, and glutamate levels were significantly reduced in individuals with ASD compared to neurotypicals (p-value= 0.002, p-value=0.04, p-value=0.004, respectively). However, SII was significantly higher in individuals with ASD compared to neurotypicals (p-value= 0.003) but there is no significantly difference in NLR and PLR between individuals with ASD and neurotypicals. For the first time, our results reveal combined disturbances in both melatonin and AG among participants with ASD. Both hormones do not simply function as a peripheral hormone measurement. They are a functional biomarkers that reflects the circadian, metabolic, and immune-integrated pathways, with possible implications for treatments that could improve the quality of life.