Try adjusting your type
14th October, 2009
European Survey on Standards of Care in paediatric oncology centres. J. R. Kowalczyk, M. Samardakiewicz, K. Pritchard-Jones, R. Ladenstein, S. Essiaf, E. Fitzgerald, G. Petrarulo, G. Vassal - EJC , Volume 61, pp 11-19
8th December, 2014
The purpose of this website is to provide good and clear information about the long-term effects of childhood cancer and to refer to the various late-effects outpatient clinics (LATER outpatient clinics) that exist in the Netherlands.
8th September, 2015
Cancer in young people is rare, but it is still a major health issue in Europe. Each year, more than 6,000 young people in Europe die of cancer. There are more than 300,000 European childhood cancer survivors (in 2020, they will be nearly half a million): two-thirds of them have some late side effects of treatment, that are severe and impact on the daily life of half of those affected.
A neutrophil is a type of white blood cell, which is the most abundant in the human body. They are essential components of the immune system, acting as the body’s first line of defense against infections by engulfing and destroying harmful bacteria and fungi. Neutrophils play a vital role in maintaining overall health and fighting diseases.
Behind every thriving organism, there’s a robust, functional immune system working tirelessly to protect it from a host of foreign invaders. A vital part of this formidable defense system in humans is neutrophils. This article aims to provide an understanding of neutrophils, their contribution to overall immunity, and the disorders associated with them.
Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell found in the human body, comprising roughly 50-70% of the entire white blood cell count. They are the immune system’s first line of defense, often referred to as the body’s ‘foot soldiers.’ Neutrophils provide a vital antimicrobial barrier, particularly against bacterial and fungal infections.
Neutrophils are part of the larger family of cells collectively known as granulocytes, so named because of the granules present in their cytoplasm. These cells are born from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow during a process known as granulopoiesis, which lasts about 14 days. They are short-lived cells, with a lifespan ranging from a few hours to a few days.
Neutrophils play a critical role in your body’s fight against infection. Being the first white blood cells to mobilize against bacterial or fungal infection, they quickly leave the bloodstream, moving towards the area of invasion where they engulf and neutralize pathogens – a process known as phagocytosis. Neutrophils also release a range of antimicrobial substances and reactive oxygen species that can kill invading pathogens.
Like any other bodily function, the production and operation of neutrophils can sometimes go askew. Two common conditions associated with abnormalities in neutrophil counts are Neutropenia and Neutrophilia. Neutropenia refers to a condition where the neutrophil count is abnormally low, making individuals more susceptible to infections. On the other hand, Neutrophilia is a condition where the neutrophil count is too high, often indicating an ongoing infection or inflammation elsewhere in the body.
Many doctors rely on neutrophils as key indicators of inflammatory diseases as well as certain cancers. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been identified as a significant inflammatory marker in cancer diagnostics. An elevated NLR is often indicative of a poor prognosis in cancer patients.
Scientific research on the function and behavior of neutrophils is ongoing, given their importance to the immune system. Advancements continue in identifying potential therapies targeting neutrophils for various diseases, including inflammatory disorders and cancer.
Neutrophils form a fundamental pillar to a functioning immune system, their role in combatting infections and diseases is critical. Continued research and understanding in this field are needed to leverage the power of these mighty defenders further.
The neutrophil count in the blood ranges typically between 1500 and 8000 cells per microliter.
A healthy, balanced diet aids in the production of white blood cells, including neutrophils. Ensure your diet includes adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals.
A low neutrophil count, or neutropenia, can result in frequent infections, fever, and flu-like symptoms.
Yes, a routine complete blood count (CBC) test can detect your neutrophil count.
A high neutrophil count, or neutrophilia, can be caused by several conditions including infections, inflammation, cancer, stress, and certain medications.
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