The brain’s glymphatic system: significance for physiology and pathology

Abstract

This review aims to summarize the world's scientific sources that highlight the current vision of the role of the brain glymphatic system in the utilisation of end metabolites from the central nervous system. It has been reported that protein clots or aggregates that are produced in brain cells and, importantly, failure of their elimination can cause cognitive problems in neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's dis- ease, as well as the other neurodegenerative diseases, the aging process can be reproduced in experimental models by overproducing these conglomerates. Current investigations are focused as well on clarifying changes in brain glymphatic drainage in the condition of traumatic brain injury. Modern research has shown that acute brain injury, including traumatic brain injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or stroke, dramatically alters glymphatic function. It is evident that aging is a critical risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. It has also been experimentally proven that glymphatic activity decreases with aging. Accordingly, this can lead to the accumulation of misfolded and hyperphosphorylated proteins, and thus the brain becomes vulnerable to the development of neurodegenerative pathology. Comprehensive analysis of the causes and mechanisms of glymphatic system dysfunction will help to predict and develop methods for diagnosing and treating serious neurodegenerative diseases and traumatic brain injuries.