Functional and Clinical Relevance of the Crosstalk between the Glymphatic System and the Lymphatic System.

in Current neuropharmacology by Marsel Khabibov, Airat Garifullin, Amina Sadreeva, Manuel Felipe Fernandez, Marat Kashaev, Iuliia Topchu, Leonid Kharin, Yanis Boumber

TLDR

  • The study explores the glymphatic system's role in the clearance of waste products and substances from the brain and its potential involvement in neurological diseases.

Abstract

In this review, we describe the concept of the glymphatic system as a glial-dependent clearance pathway in the brain. The hypothesis of the glymphatic system function suggests that dural lymphatic vessels absorb the cerebrospinal fluid and brain interstitial fluid via the glymphatic system and transport fluid into deep cervical lymph nodes. We present the accumulated data of various studies confirming the possible interconnection among the brain interstitial fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, and the glymphatic system. Anatomical features are discussed here together with a possible variety of glymphatic system functions, including the removal of waste products, transport of substances, and immune function. The glymphatic system is hypothesized to be involved in pathogenesis of many diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and Parkinson's disease. We also discuss the role of the glymphatic system in pathophysiology and the complications of brain tumors. Meningeal lymphatics is thoroughly analyzed as well. Finally, we propose new treatment approaches to brain tumors, Parkinson's disease, and stroke using cervical lymph nodes and backward fluid flow in the meningeal lymphatic vessels.

Overview

  • The study explores the concept of the glymphatic system as a glial-dependent clearance pathway in the brain.
  • The hypothesis suggests that dural lymphatic vessels absorb cerebrospinal fluid and brain interstitial fluid via the glymphatic system.
  • The study aims to confirm the interconnection among brain interstitial fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, and the glymphatic system.

Comparative Analysis & Findings

  • The study presents accumulated data from various studies confirming the connection between the brain interstitial fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, and the glymphatic system.
  • The findings suggest possible glymphatic system functions, including the removal of waste products, transport of substances, and immune function.
  • The study hypothesizes the involvement of the glymphatic system in the pathogenesis of diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and Parkinson's disease.

Implications and Future Directions

  • The study proposes new treatment approaches to brain tumors, Parkinson's disease, and stroke using cervical lymph nodes and backward fluid flow in the meningeal lymphatic vessels.
  • The findings have significant implications for the understanding and treatment of various neurological diseases.
  • Future studies should investigate the role of the glymphatic system in more detail to fully understand its functions and dysfunction in disease pathogenesis.
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