Monocytes are white blood cells that play an active role in immune defense but can also become pathogenic, potentially damaging tissues and even supporting tumor growth. Monocytes differentiate into macrophages but can also be converted into osteoclasts and microglial cells.
Elevations in monocytes are associated with low-grade inflammation seen with CVD, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and other inflammatory disorders. Monocytes are also associated with infections and autoimmune disorders. Vitamin C may help reduce the negative effects of monocytes/macrophages.
Low levels of monocytes may be seen with certain malignancies, immune disorders, and corticosteroid use.
Monocytes, Absolute
Standard Range: 0.20 – 0.95 k/cumm (0.20 – 0.95 giga/L)
The ODX Range: 0.20 – 0.40 k/cumm (0.20 – 0.40 giga/L)
Monocytes %
Standard Range: 4.00 – 13.00 %
The ODX Range: 4.00 - 7.00%
Low monocyte counts are associated with monocytopenia, aplastic anemia, hairy-cell leukemia (Pagana 2021), inherited immune disorders, some infections, corticosteroid use, and chemotherapy (Deyrup 2022).
High monocyte counts are associated with monocytosis, chronic inflammatory disorders, viral infections including infectious mononucleosis, tuberculosis, chronic ulcerative colitis, and parasitic disease including malaria (Pagana 2021), chronic infections, chronic inflammation, autoimmune disorders, myeloid neoplasms (Deyrup 2022), more severe hepatocellular carcinoma with worse overall survival (Yu 2021), cardiometabolic dysfunction, metabolic syndrome, and CVD mortality (Kim 2008).
Monocytes are phagocytic, cytokine-producing white blood cells with some similarities to neutrophils, though monocytes are produced more rapidly and can remain in circulation longer than neutrophils (Pagana 2021). Monocytes play both a protective and a pathogenic role throughout the body. They differentiate into macrophages and are major contributors to immune system regulation. Depending on the subset, monocytes support cytotoxic T-cell activity and anti-tumor activity and travel to tissues as needed to supply ample precursors to macrophages lost to injury or infection. However, some activities may damage tissue or, in some cases, support tumor growth by inducing resistance to chemotherapy (Murray 2018).
Monocytes differentiate into macrophages and serve as precursors to other cells in the mononuclear phagocytic system, including osteoclasts and microglial cells in connective tissue and organs (Tigner 2021). The differentiation of monocytes into bone-resorbing osteoclasts is ultimately controlled by vitamin D (Carlberg 2019).
Monocytes are early responders during acute infection but may contribute to chronic disease over time. They also play a custodial, anti-inflammatory role in the maintenance of vascular homeostasis, highlighting their multifaceted roles in the body (Narasimhan 2019).
Elevated monocytes can be seen with cardiometabolic dysfunction, metabolic syndrome, and increased risk of CVD mortality, conditions associated with low-grade inflammation. The lowest risk for obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia was associated with a monocyte level below 0.315 k/cumm in a cohort of 15,654 Korean individuals evaluated at the Center for Health Promotion. The highest risk was seen with a monocyte level above 0.411 k/cumm. Researchers note that elevations in both total WBCs and differential counts are associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome (Kim 2008). Risk of metabolic syndrome may be lowest in those with a monocyte count of 0.34 k/cumm and highest at 0.59 k/cumm and above (Babio 2013).
Monocytes are thought to play an active role in converting atherosclerotic plaque from stable to unstable, contributing to acute coronary syndrome and impaired blood flow to myocardial tissue (Ghattas 2013). Differentiated macrophages are found within unstable atherosclerotic plaque even if circulating levels of monocytes/macrophages are not elevated (Horne 2005). Vulnerable plaques are more likely to rupture and contribute to thrombosis, stroke, or myocardial infarction. Monocyte-derived macrophages are the most abundant white blood cells observed in atherosclerotic plaque, where they can take up oxidized LDL and other lipids. Monocytes appear to differentiate into foam cells early in the atherosclerotic process, forming fatty streaks within the intima (Woollard 2010). Monocytes play a role in fighting pathogens, removing debris, and promoting tissue repair following myocardial infarction. However, excess production of monocyte-derived cytokines may inhibit the healing process (Dutta 2015).
Optimal vitamin C status can mitigate the adverse effects of monocytes/macrophages on endothelial health. A randomized double-blind crossover study of 40 healthy non-smokers demonstrated that vitamin C supplementation could reduce the adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells. A dose of 250 mg/day significantly reduced the adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells by 37% in those with a lower baseline vitamin C of 0.56 mg/dL (32 microM), a level commonly accepted as “normal.” (Woolard 2002). Vitamin C was also found to support endothelial-derived nitric oxide and normalize vascular function in subjects with CVD risk factors, including smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, and diabetes. Other antioxidants, including vitamin E and thiol antioxidants, are also known to reduce reactive oxygen species and inhibit endothelial activation (Frei 1999).
Examples of thiol antioxidants include glutathione, cysteine, N-acetylcysteine, and alpha lipoic acid (Deneke 2000). Vitamin C supplementation is also recommended during acute and chronic hyperglycemia. Elevated glucose can deplete vitamin C and contribute to cardiovascular risk (Price 2001). This versatile vitamin may also benefit peripheral artery disease, a condition associated with atherosclerosis and elevated CRP. Vitamin C insufficiency may be confirmed by decreased alkaline phosphatase (Langlois 2001).
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