Toxic responses of the liver and kidneys following occupational exposure to anesthetic gases

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine whether exposure of operating room personnel to inhalation anesthetics, including nitrous oxide, isoflurane, and sevoflurane was associated with any hepatotoxic or nephrotoxic changes. Fifty-two operating room personnel and 52 non-exposed subjects were studied. A questionnaire pertaining to demographic characteristics and medical history of participants was completed. Fasting blood samples were taken from all subjects to measure the functional parameters of kidneys and liver. Biological monitoring was also performed to detect the urinary concentration of IAs. Urinary concentrations of nitrous oxide, isoflurane, and sevoflurane were found to be 175.8 ± 77.52, 4.95 ± 3.43, and 15.0 3± 16.06 ppm, respectively. The mean levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, Alpha-glutathione-S-transferase, as well as the serum levels of kidney injury molecule-1, creatinine and calcium were significantly higher in the exposed group. Statistically significant associations were observed between exposure to inhalation anesthetics and the mean levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase, serum creatinine, kidney injury molecule-1, and calcium. Under the exposure scenario described in the present study, occupational exposure to inhalation anesthetics was associated with subtle, subclinical, pre-pathologic changes in the parameters of liver and kidneys. Additionally, Alpha-glutathione-S-transferase and kidney injury molecule-1 were found to be sensitive markers for early detection of subclinical changes in the parameters of kidney and liver function in subjects who are exposed to inhalation anesthetics.