Neurolymphatic clearance in neurodegenerative disease: Emerging mechanisms and potential translational strategies.
Neurolymphatic clearance in neurodegenerative disease: Emerging mechanisms and potential translational strategies.
Where did the research take place?
The study site has not been established. Author addresses may differ from where the research occurred.
Basel, CH · Author affiliation
Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital of Basel, Spitalstrasse 21, 4031 Basel, Switzerland.Location evidence
Geneva, CH · Author affiliation
Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Geneva, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentile 4, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland.Location evidence
Allschwil, CH · Author affiliation
Translational Imaging in Neurology Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Hegenheimermattweg 167b, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland.Location evidence
London, GB · Author affiliation
UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, 86 Wood Lane, W12 0BZ London, United Kingdom.Location evidence
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Original abstract
INTRODUCTION: Neurolymphatic dysfunction has been linked to cognitive decline and implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Parkinson's Disease (PD). Despite its growing recognition, the potential role of pharmacological or surgical neurolymphatic modulation remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: This review summarizes current evidence on the neurolymphatic system's anatomy, physiology and its involvement in neurodegenerative diseases. It also examines emerging pharmacological and lymphatic reconstructive techniques. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, yielding 187 studies related to the neurolymphatic system. Studies were screened for the following topics: (1) Anatomy and physiology of the neurolymphatic system, (2) The association between neurolymphatic dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases, (3) Pharmacological and (4) Microsurgical neurolymphatic modulation. RESULTS: Current evidence suggests that the neurolymphatic system facilitates drainage of interstitial and cerebrospinal fluid to the deep cervical lymph nodes. Preclinical models suggest that enhancing their clearance may promote the clearance of neurotoxic proteins and potentially improve cognitive function. CONCLUSIONS: Scientific evidence on neurolymphatic modulation in neurodegenerative diseases is scarce. Both pharmacological and microsurgical modulatory techniques remain experimental approaches for neurodegenerative diseases, with a significant potential to improve patients' quality of life. However, further research is warranted to establish their safety, feasibility, and efficacy. The current knowledge gaps underscore the need for a detailed mapping of the neurolymphatic pathways, preclinical evaluation, and translational interdisciplinary trials.