Investigation of Genotoxic Effect of Desflurane and Sevoflurane on Periferic Lymphocyte with Comet Assay Method

Abstract

Aim: There are several clinical and cytogenetic studies that anesthetics cause choromosomal changes. We report data on the possible genotoxic properties of two inhalational anaesthetics, sevoflurane and desflurane in lymphocytes of children evaluated for genotoxic activity with comet assay. Methods: In this study lymphocytes were investigated with Comet Assay which establishes single, double DNA strand breaks. Twent six children aged 1-10 years, who were anaesthetized for at least 120 minutes, were included in the study. After standard induction, anaesthesia was maintained with inhalation of sevoflurane or desflurane in oxygen-air mixture. Three mililitres venous blood samples were obtained before the induction of anaesthesia (control), at 60. and 120. minutes of anaesthesia and on the first and fiveth days. Blood samples were evaluated by comet assay. Peripheral lymphocytes were isolated with blood samples and examined by Comet Assay method. Lymphocytes were evaluated with fluorescence microscopy, visual classification was performed and % tail factors were calculated. Results: There was no difference in the mean comet response before anaesthesia between the two groups. However, there was no significant difference in the mean comet response at 60 and 120 minutes of anaesthesia and 1 and 5 days after surgery between patients who received sevoflurane and desflurane. Conclusion: It was demonstrated that structure of lymphocytes nucleus did not causedamage and DNA injury after the sevoflurane and desflurane anesthesia in pediatric patients.

Keywords

• Sevoflurane
• desflurane
• commet assay
• pediatric