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Updated: May 19, 2026

Quantification of Monocyte Transmigration and Foam Cell Formation from Individuals with Chronic Inflammatory Conditions
Published on: October 17, 2017
Monocyte function and trafficking in cardiovascular disease
Evangelia Pardali1, Johannes Waltenberger
1Evangelia Pardali or Johannes Waltenberger, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building A1, 48149 Münster, Germany. Evangelia.pardali@ukmuenster.de
Monocytes are crucial for immune balance and tissue repair but also contribute to diseases like cardiovascular conditions. Understanding these versatile cells offers potential for new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in vascular medicine.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Monocytes are essential for immune homeostasis and vascular repair.
- These cells are implicated in pathological conditions including cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
- Their dual role necessitates a deeper understanding for clinical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding monocyte roles in cardiovascular diseases.
- To explore the potential of monocytes as diagnostic markers.
- To evaluate monocytes as therapeutic targets in cardiovascular medicine.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on monocytes in cardiovascular disease.
- Analysis of studies investigating monocyte function in physiological and pathological states.
- Synthesis of findings on monocyte-based diagnostics and therapeutics.
Main Results:
- Monocytes are integral to the inflammatory response following vascular injury.
- Dysfunctional monocyte activity contributes to the progression of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular pathologies.
- Specific monocyte subsets show promise as biomarkers for cardiovascular risk and disease activity.
Conclusions:
- Monocytes represent a significant area of interest for cardiovascular research.
- Targeting monocyte pathways could offer novel therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular diseases.
- Further characterization of monocytes will enhance their utility as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
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