MONOCYTES IN MENSTRUATION: CONTRIBUTIONS TO BOTH IMMUNITY AND FERTILITY

Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu

doi:10.22270/ujpr.v10i2.1318

Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu Department of Biomedical and Laboratory Science, Africa University, Zimbabwe.

10.22270/ujpr.v10i2.1318

Keywords:

Monocytes, menstruation, immunity, fertility, endometrial remodeling

Abstract

Monocytes, a fundamental component of the innate immune system, play an important role in menstruation by promoting immunity and fertility. These immune cells are aggressively attracted to the endometrium, where they play roles in tissue remodeling, immunological monitoring, and pathogen protection. Their ability to phagocytose apoptotic cells and produce cytokines maintains a balanced inflammatory response, limiting excessive tissue damage and promoting regeneration. Aside from their role in menstrual immunity, monocytes influence fertility by promoting implantation and maintaining immunological tolerance during pregnancy. They promote endometrial angiogenesis by secreting growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which creates an environment conducive to embryo implantation. Furthermore, monocytes help with immune regulation by regulating the maternal response to fetal antigens, preventing immunological rejection, and promoting successful gestation. Monocyte dysregulation has been linked to a variety of reproductive diseases, including endometriosis, recurrent pregnancy loss, and implantation failure. Aberrant monocyte recruitment or function can cause chronic inflammation, decreased endometrial receptivity, and disturbed immunological tolerance, all of which have a deleterious influence on fertility.