What are Monocytes?
Monocytes are the most numerous forms of white blood cells. Monocytes make up between 2 to 10% of white blood cells. These immune cells circulate in the circulation for several days before becoming macrophages or dendritic cells in the tissues.
They can, however, have a role in the development of inflammatory disorders such as arthritis and atherosclerosis. If you see any discrepancy in your monocytes level, rush into the nearby emergency room for a complete check-up.
Monocytes are immune to viral, bacterial, fungal, and protozoal infections. They fight bacteria, consume foreign particles, eliminate dead cells, and stimulate the immune system.
Monocytes can fight pathogens, enhance immunity, and eliminate dead cells. They become macrophages once they infiltrate your tissues. Normal ranges for monocytes can be stated in a variety of units. Request that your doctor assists you in interpreting your complete blood count.
Production of monocytes:
In adults, blood cells are primarily created in the bone marrow, a process known as hematopoiesis. Myelopoiesis refers to the process of producing monocytes.
Myelopoiesis is governed by a complicated regulatory system that includes elements such as:
SPI1 transcription factor
SCF (stem cell factor),
GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage-colony-stimulating factor), M-CSF (macrophage colony-stimulating factor, CSF1),
cytokines.
Reference Ranges for Monocyte
Normal values are:
0.2 – 0.8 x109/L
200 – 800 / microL
1 – 10%
Viral, bacterial, and fungal infections are linked with lower monocyte numbers in these ranges.
Cardiovascular diseaseObesity
Diabetes
Death (mortality)
A high monocyte count is linked to a lower risk of infection and chronic illness. If you have a high or low number of monocytes, you should ask your doctor to examine your levels of other white blood cells.
High Levels of Monocytes (Monocytosis)
Monocytosis is a disorder in which the number of monocytes found in the blood in people exceeds 0.8109/L.
Blood diseases (myelodysplastic syndrome, acute monocytic leukemia, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma)
Infections (tuberculosis, viral infections, bacterial endocarditis, brucellosis, malaria, syphilis)
Autoimmune disorders
Sarcoidosis
Cancers (ovary, breast, and rectum)
Heart attack
Appendicitis
HIV infection
Depression
Childbirth
Obesity
Severe pneumonia
Symptoms and Causes
Monocytosis develops most frequently during and after chronic inflammation or infection.
However, other illnesses, such as heart disease, depression, diabetes, and obesity, can also be related to monocytosis.
The following are the most prevalent conditions linked with elevated monocyte levels:
Chronic (ongoing) inflammation
Tuberculosis, malaria, and syphilis are examples of infections.
Monocyte Deficiency (Monocytopenia)
Monocytopenia is characterized by reduced monocytes circulating in the blood to fewer than 0.2109/L in adults. Monocytopenia does not appear to cause symptoms, and patients generally only exhibit symptoms linked with another illness.
Conditions Associated with Monocytopenia
Aplastic anemia
Leukemia (hairy-cell leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia)
Chemotherapy (monocytopenia and Mycobacterium Avium Complex syndrome)
Serious burn injuries
Rheumatoid arthritis
SLE
HIV infection
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Corticosteroid treatment (transient monocytopenia)
INF-alpha and TNF-alpha administration
Radiation treatment
Reduced monocyte count relates to autoimmune illnesses, HIV, burns, and other ailments and medications; symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause.
Bottom Line
Monocytes are the most numerous white blood cells. They eliminate germs, recycle old cells, and improve immunity. A complete blood count should be done to have a look on the monocytes level in your body. People with normal monocyte levels (0.2 – 0.8 x109/L) are less likely to acquire infections and chronic illnesses. Chronic infections and inflammation are the most prevalent causes of elevated monocytes (monocytosis). As a result, high monocyte levels might exacerbate inflammation and block your blood vessels. Low monocyte levels (monocytopenia) can be caused by various medical disorders, including autoimmune illnesses and dietary shortages. Low monocyte counts may lessen your risk of heart disease, but they also make you more susceptible to infections and blood diseases. Regular Lab tests must be performed from a nearby emergency room to eliminate any dangerous causes.
