Monocytes – role, research, norms, interpretation of results. How to lower the level of monocytes?

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Monocytes are the cells that make up white blood cells. There should be between 3 and 8 percent of them in human blood. all leukocytes. Monocytes circulate in the blood, and after leaving the blood vessels to the surrounding tissues, they turn into macrophages, the so-called feeding cells. When is it worth testing monocytes and what are the norms?

Monocytes arise from a bone marrow stem cell, which, under the influence of appropriate growth factors, enters the cycle leading to its final form. On the surface of monocytes, there are receptors for substances called chemokines that tell them where inflammation is taking place and where they are needed. The monocytes then squeeze between the cells of the blood vessel wall and transform into cells that engulf the microbes or foreign bodies. They also produce interferons and interleukins, substances that regulate the work of the immune system. Therefore, they play a very important role in immune processes.

HIV infection and, consequently, the occurrence of AIDS syndrome is a disease that destroys, among others, monocytes, and therefore significantly, and in the final stage, even drastically reduces immunity.

See also: The excess of chemokines hurts

Functions of monocytes

Until recently, the primary role of monocytes was thought to be to monitor the environment and replenish the pool of tissue macrophages and dendritic cells as needed. It is now known that monocyte subsets have distinct markers or protein markers on the outside, and these subsets may also behave differently.

Currently, three types of human monocytes have been described. Classic monocytes account for approximately 80% of the total monocyte population. The remaining 20 percent can be classified based on their protein tags as non-classical monocytes and intermediate monocytes

As for the different types of monocytes and how they function in the immune system, scientists are still fine-tuning the details, and much more is now known about murine than human monocytes.

The terms “inflammatory” and “anti-inflammatory” are also used to describe human monocytes, based on specific protein tags or receptors outside of these cells. However, it is not yet clear in humans how much monocytes are mobile enough to enter and exit tissues, and evidence suggests that there may be types of monocytes that can engulf and digest or phagocytose invaders but do not cause active inflammation.

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Monocytes and the spleen

Large numbers of human monocytes are believed to migrate to tissues throughout the body where they can reside or form macrophages, which are essential for fighting infection and cleaning up dead cells.

The spleen contains all the major types of “mononuclear phagocytes” including macrophages, dendritic cells and monocytes. Thus, the spleen can be an active site of the innate immune system.

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Differences between monocytes and macrophages

Macrophages are monocytes that have completed their tasks in the bloodstream and have moved to other organs or tissues in the body and matured.

These two types of cells are similar to each other: both monocytes and macrophages are responsible for destroying harmful substances. The key differences are that macrophages are about twice the size of monocytes. Macrophages remain stationary in the extracellular fluid, but monocytes travel through the bloodstream.

Monocytes and innate immunity

Innate immunity refers to the immunity with which we are born, not the more targeted immunity we may develop after, say, a vaccine or after recovery from an infectious disease. The innate immune system works through various mechanisms, including phagocytosis and inflammation.

Macrophages can become involved in phagocytosis, a process by which they engulf and destroy tissue debris and invaders. This way, they can also “retire” any old, used red blood cells.

The macrophages in the spleen help clean debris and old cells from the blood, but they can also help T cells recognize foreign invaders. When this happens it is called antigen presentation. This last part, antigen presentation, ends with the innate immune system and begins an acquired or learned immune response to a particular foreign invader.

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Other monocytes transform into dendritic cells in tissues where they cooperate with T cells. Macrophages can also present antigens to T cells, but dendritic cells have traditionally been considered specialists for this task. They collect debris from the breakdown of bacteria, viruses, and other foreign materials and present them to T cells for them to see and generate an immune response to invaders.

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Although special an indication for the determination of the level of monocytes immunity is reduced and viral, bacterial or protozoal infections are frequent, it is usually also determined during routine morphology. As a result, preventive examinations allow the identification of immunological diseases, especially on the basis of specific symptoms and other test results.

We will measure monocytes by choosing a standard test package including morphology and general urinalysis. The parameters measured in these tests provide the physician with basic information needed for further diagnosis. At Medonet Market you can buy a research package dedicated to men and women of all ages.

Also read what it is the percentage formula of white blood cells.

Monocytes – the course of the study

Testing monocytes is very simple and quick. It is performed as part of the blood count, therefore the results show the percentage and quantification of monocytes against other blood counts. The price of the test depends on the laboratory, but usually it fluctuates around PLN 10.

Material for monocytes testing: blood serum, most often taken from a venous vessel in the area of ​​the elbow. It happens that blood is taken from the fingertip, from the ear lobe or from the venous vessel of the foot.

Preparation for the test: the patient should be on an empty stomach (12 hours after the last meal), eating a meal before the test may bias the results. Additionally, it is recommended that you give up alcohol two or three days before blood sampling. Physical activity also affects the test result, therefore it is recommended to minimize the effort on the day of the visit. It is advisable to rest and sleep before collecting, and drink a glass of still water in the morning.

The course of the study: one-time blood sampling from a vein in the arm. The nurse puts a tourniquet on the hand to drain the blood from the limb, this makes the veins swell and it is easier to collect the serum. Disposable needles are used to collect blood.

Waiting time for the monocyte result: 1 Day.

Comments: Before the examination, inform your doctor about any medications you are taking or any infections.

Find out more about peripheral blood counts and test results.

Norms of monocytes

The norms of monocytes are read based on the age of the patient. They are as follows:

1 year:

1. monocytes: 0,05-1,1 x 109/l
2. 2-7 percent leukocytes.

Four years:

1. monocytes: 0-0,8 x 109/l
2. 2-7 percent leukocytes.

Six years:

1. monocytes: 0-0,8 x 109/l
2. 2-7 percent leukocytes.

Six years:

1. monocytes: 0-0,8 x 109/l
2. 1-6 percent leukocytes.

Six years:

1. monocytes: 0-0,8 x 109/l
2. 1-8 percent leukocytes.

Adults:

1. monocytes: 0-0,8 x 109/l
2. 1-8 percent leukocytes.

The number of leukocytes varies from patient to patient. To get a complete picture of the test, the percentage image of white blood cells and the analysis of the number of different types of leukocytes are performed.

After receiving your blood test results, you should discuss them with your doctor. You do not need to go to the clinic – you can also make an e-consultation online and send the results to the doctor before the visit.

Monocytosis – increased levels of monocytes

A result indicating an increase in monocytes is referred to as monocytoza. An increase in the percentage of monocytes may indicate:

1. Blood disorders (myelodysplastic disease, acute monocytic leukemia, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma);
2. Infections (tuberculosis, viral infections, bacterial endocarditis, brucellosis, malaria, syphilis);
3. Autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease) 
4. collagen diseases,
5. storage diseases,
6. can also occur after splenectomy (removal of the spleen),
7. recovery period after acute infections,
8. Crohn’s disease,
9. sarcoidosis;
10. tumors (ovary, breast, rectum);
11. heart attack;
12. appendicitis;
13. HIV infection;
14. depression;
15. childbirth;
16. obesity;
17. severe pneumonia;
18. alcoholic liver disease;
19. multiple myeloma.

The causes shown here are commonly associated with mococytosis. However, see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

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Treatment of blood cancers may include:

1. chemotherapy;
2. radiation therapy;
3. stem cell transplant;
4. supportive therapy;
5. operations.

See also: A stem cell transplant could prove to be a cure for HIV. Another patient was freed from the virus thanks to this method

Monocytopenia – a reduced number of monocytes

Lowering the monocyte index, i.e. monocytopenia may be evidence of immune disorders, congenital or acquired in the form of AIDS or bone marrow atrophic diseases, the so-called aplasias. This condition also occurs in acute infections, severe stress, chemotherapy, taking certain medications (corticosteroids), and in the case of the MonoMAC syndrome, i.e. a complex immunodeficiency conducive to the development of mycobacterial infections.

Monocytopenia by itself does not appear to be symptomatic and patients usually only show symptoms associated with the concomitant condition. These symptoms can include tiredness and a fever.

Chronic monocytopenia it can lead to a shortage of all of the blood cells, a disorder known as pancytopenia. As a result, the number of erythrocytes, leukocytes and thrombocytes in the blood decreases.

Other conditions associated with monocytopenia include aplastic anemia, leukemia (hairy cell leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia), severe burns, radiation therapy, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, HIV infection, vitamin B12 deficiency.

If you know that abnormal monocyte levels are due to immune problems, for example after an infectious disease, we have selected a few products for you that may positively affect your immune system. Of course, we do not recommend treatment even with such safe agents without first consulting a doctor.

1. Omega 3 fatty acids – (compare offers)

Since monocytes respond to inflammation, an anti-inflammatory diet can be very beneficial. Products with anti-inflammatory properties include:

1. olive oil;
2. green leafy vegetables;
3. tomatoes;
4. strawberries, blueberries, cherries and oranges;
5. peanuts;
6. fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel;

Conversely, some foods, such as those listed below, may increase inflammation. Try to limit:

1. red and processed meat;
2. refined carbohydrates such as baked goods, white bread, and white pasta;
3. fried food;
4. carbonated drinks and other sweet drinks;
5. margarine, shortening, and lard.

The Mediterranean diet is a good example of an anti-inflammatory diet. It contains lots of fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, fish, olive oil and whole grains.

If we think our monocyte counts are too high, let’s talk to your doctor about why this is, whether we need treatment, and whether a lifestyle change might be helpful.

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Abnormal levels of monocytes in children

In children, elevated monocytes can have many causes. For example, the number of monocytes may increase during infection or inflammation. It can also sometimes be the result of teething.

However, it’s important to know that abnormal monocytes can be a sign of diseases such as leukemia or lymphomas, although this is very rare.

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Monocytes and listeriosis

Listeria monocytogenes is a species of bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a known food-borne disease. Precautions for listeria monocytogenes are one of the few that are used during pregnancy as this bacterium can cause meningitis in newborns as well as miscarriage; pregnant women are often advised against eating soft cheeses that may contain listeria monocytogenes.

It turns out that monocytes can help fight infection, but they can also become “Trojan horses”, transferring bacteria to the brain, which is a problem with listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium enters the monocytes, but then the monocytes are unable to kill it and multiply.

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Monocytes and białaczka

The cell line from which monocytes form can become disturbed and reproduce out of control. Acute monocytic leukemia or “M5 FAB subtype” according to one classification system is one form of acute myeloid leukemia. In M5, more than 80% of the disordered cells are monocytes.

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) has an increased number of monocytes and immature blood cells in the bone marrow and circulating in the blood.

CMML has the characteristics of two different blood diseases and is therefore classified under the World Health Organization classification system as a combined entity, myelodysplastic syndrome / myeloproliferative neoplasm (MDS / MPN). It progresses to acute myeloid leukemia in approximately 15% to 30% of patients.

See also: Acute myeloid leukemia genes

Monocytes and lymphoma and other cancers

Scientists have found that monocytes can exhibit undesirable effects on tumors and cancer behavior of the lymphocyte-white blood cell family (these diseases are known as lymphoproliferative diseases).

The presence of macrophages and their activity in tumors is linked to allowing cancer cells to create a blood supply and to invade and move through the bloodstream. In the future, this finding could lead to macrophage-targeted therapy to prevent metastasis and tumor growth.

For various diseases, some clinicians are beginning to use monocyte counts as an indicator of risk or a worse prognosis before treatment.

Elevated monocytes above a certain threshold are associated with a poorer prognosis in patients with T-cell lymphomas and Hodgkin’s lymphoma (Hodgkin’s lymphoma). The lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio may also help identify patients at high risk for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and untreated metastatic colorectal cancer.

Monocytes – Interpretation of Results

The analysis of the test results is undertaken by the doctor, paying attention not only to the numerical data, but also to the patient’s symptoms, past diseases and the results of other tests. An interview with the examined person is very important, as well as taking into account the blood count method.

It happens that the results of the monocyte measurement are falsified. This is more likely to happen with an automatic smear. If the patient develops additional disturbing symptoms, the doctor may refer the patient to another morphology, but with a manual smear.