Effects of Sevoflurane Exposure on Apoptosis and Cell Cycle of Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes, and Immunologic Function
Abstract Background: Waste anesthetic gases (WAGS) leaked from new-type halogenated inhalational anesthetics such as sevoflurane were reported to pose a risk for the health of operation room personnel. The effects of WAGS on peripheral blood lymphocytes remain yet controversial. Purpose: The present study was undertaken to examine whether occupational exposure to sevoflurane has detrimental effects on the peripheral blood lymphocytes of exposed medical personnel in vivo. Methods: A cohort of 56 medical residents were divided into exposed group (n=28) and control group (non-exposed group) (n=28). Gas chromatograph was used to measure the concentration of sevoflurane in the medical resident’s breathing zone during surgeries under inhalation anesthesia in exposure group. The collection time lasted for one hour. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated from venous blood and then apoptosis and cell cycle were analyzed by flow cytometry. EDTA-anticoagulated whole blood was harvested to analyze the lymphocyte subsets by flow cytometry. Immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, IgG) were quantified by immunoturbidimetry.Results: The average concentration of sevoflurane in exposed group was 1.03 ppm with a range from 0.03 ppm to 2.24 ppm. Sevoflurane had no significant effect on the apoptosis and cell cycle of peripheral blood lymphocytes in the exposed group relative to the control group (P>0.05). Similarly, there was no significant difference in the lymphocyte subsets and the levels of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, IgG) between the two groups (P>0.05).Conclusion: Occupational exposure to low-level sevoflurane has no significant effect on the peripheral blood lymphocytes of operating room staff, but this conclusion needs to be confirmed by multicenter and long-term follow-up studies with large samples.Trial registration number and date of registration:ChiCTR2000040772, December 9, 2020 (Retrospective registration)