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Interplay between gut Microbiome and glymphatic system in cognitive function and memory regulation
Firoozeh Alavian1, Arefeh Hajimohammadi2
1Department of Biology Education, Farhangian University, PO Box 889- 14665, Tehran, Iran. f.alavian@cfu.ac.ir.
Molecular Biology Reports
|October 16, 2025
Summary
The gut microbiome influences brain health by producing beneficial metabolites that support the glymphatic system, crucial for clearing toxins and maintaining cognitive function. Dysbiosis can impair this system, potentially leading to neurodegenerative diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- The glymphatic system clears brain toxins like amyloid-β (Aβ), vital for cognitive function and preventing neurodegeneration.
- The gut microbiome impacts brain health via anti-inflammatory metabolites and neurotransmitters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and analyze the interplay between the gut microbiome, glymphatic system, and cognitive function.
- To examine how microbial metabolites affect brain inflammation, sleep, and synaptic plasticity.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of recently published articles from reputable scientific databases.
- Analysis of characteristics linking gut microbiome, its metabolites, and glymphatic system function.
Main Results:
- Microbial metabolites (e.g., SCFAs, serotonin, melatonin) reduce brain inflammation and enhance sleep and synaptic plasticity.
- Gut dysbiosis increases inflammation, impairs glymphatic function, and leads to toxic protein accumulation and cognitive decline.
- Proper aquaporin-4 (AQP4) polarization is essential for glymphatic function; its disruption is linked to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Conclusions:
- The gut microbiome-glymphatic system axis offers novel therapeutic targets for cognitive health and neurodegenerative disease prevention.
- Probiotics and a healthy diet may improve glymphatic function and brain health, mitigating cognitive disorders.
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