Glymphatics in melatonin mediated obesity-induced neurodegeneration reversal

Obesity increases the risk for neurological and metabolic disorders and can disrupt the glymphatic system and impair the clearance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). 

This can result in build up of neurotoxic molecules leading to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline.

It is well known that sleep regulates glymphatic flow and in obesity sleep disturbances are observed. Thus,  melatonin could be a promising candidate to target glymphatic dysfunction in obesity.

Melatonin administration improves sleep quality in both clinical and preclinical models, and enhances slow-wave sleep, which is the sleep stage when glymphatic clearance is most active. T

The researchers in this  perspective discuss the mechanistic links between obesity and glymphatic dysfunction, and examine the role of melatonin as a novel therapeutic to mitigate cognitive and neurological consequences associated with obesity through the restoration of the glymphatic system.

The authors believe that the human studies are required to explore the effect of melatonin on glymphatic function.

https://journals.lww.com/nrronline/fulltext/2026/07000/melatonin_reverses_obesity_induced.42.aspx

https://sciencemission.com/Melatonin-reverses-obesity-induced-neurodegeneration