Effects of occupational exposure to trace levels of halogenated anesthetics on liver, kidney and oxidative stress parameters in operating room personnel

Operating room (OR) staffs are unavoidably exposed to waste anesthetic gases, which may have adverse effects on their health. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the probable hepatic, renal and oxidative damage caused by long-term exposure to waste anesthetic gases in OR personnel. The concentration of halogenated anesthetics was initially measured by gas chromatography in breathing zone of personnel, and then biochemical parameters were measured in personnel blood samples. The median (range) value of isoflurane in individuals breathing zone was 1.33 (0.19-14.98) ppm; however, sevoflurane was not found in any collected air samples. Hepatic transaminases and lactate dehydrogenase activities in blood samples of exposed group were significantly increased comparing to control group. No significant difference was found between exposed and control group in terms of plasma creatinine and blood-urea nitrogen levels. The glutathione levels and antioxidant enzymes activities (catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) had significant reduction in exposed group compared to control group; however, plasma malondialdehyde level in exposed group was markedly higher than control group. Also, the levels of hepatic and oxidative stress biomarkers in OR personnel with more than 10 years of work experience were quite different from those of personnel with less than 10 years of work experience. In conclusion, the occupational exposure of OR personnel to isoflurane and sevoflurane was lower than national recommended exposure limits (50 ppm); however, the results of this study showed that long-term exposure to trace concentration of anesthetic gases can result in oxidative and hepatic damage and these adverse effects may increase over time.

Keywords:

Operating Room , Anesthetic Gases , Oxidative Stress , Liver Toxicity