Autism Pathoetiology and Pathophysiology: Roles of STAT3 and NF-κB Dimer Interactions in Regulating the Mitochondrial Melatonergic Pathway in Placental, CNS, and Systemic Cells

People with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) show a relative suppression of the melatonergic pathway across CNS and systemic cells. The differential regulation of the mitochondrial melatonergic pathway may therefore be an important core aspect of ASD pathophysiology in all its manifestations. Recent data across diverse human cells show that the melatonergic pathway is powerfully regulated by interactions between signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), with the composition of the NF-κB dimer determining whether the melatonergic pathway is upregulated or downregulated. Diverse aspects of ASD pathoetiology and pathophysiology, including the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), microRNAs, suboptimal mitochondrial function, pro-inflammatory cytokines, glucocorticoid receptor, vagal nerve, and oxytocin, are all intimately linked to pineal and/or local melatonin regulation, indicating the relevance of the mitochondrial melatonergic pathway regulation in the pathoetiology and pathophysiology of ASD. This article reviews and integrates diverse aspects of ASD pathoetiology and pathophysiology, with implications for future research and treatment.