Veterinarians exposed to inhaled anesthetic present chromosome damage, apoptosis and cell cycle changes

Author(s)

Braz, Mariana G. ; Figueiredo, Drielle B. S. ; Golim, Marjorie A. ; Grassi, Tony F. ; da Costa, Bruno R. B. ; De Martinis, Bruno S. ; Braz, Leandro G.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis; v. 65, n. 1-2, p. 7-pg., 2024-02-09.

Abstract

This cross-sectional study evaluated, for the first time, DNA damage, viability, and cell death of lymphocytes and cell cycle phases of mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cells in veterinarians exposed to the volatile anesthetic isoflurane. Veterinarians who were occupationally exposed to isoflurane (exposed group; n = 20) and matched-unexposed individuals (volunteers without occupational exposure; n = 20) were enrolled in the study. DNA damage was assessed in lymphocytes by micronucleus (MN) and phosphorylated histone gamma-H2AX (gamma-H2AX). Cell viability, cytotoxicity, and the cell cycle were evaluated by flow cytometry. Isoflurane was detected in urine samples by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Compared with unexposed subjects, veterinarians occupationally exposed to isoflurane (25.7 +/- 23.7 mu g/L urine) presented statistically higher MN frequencies, lymphocytic apoptosis rates, and numbers of polymorphonuclear cells in the G0/G1 stage. Additionally, the exposed group presented statistically lower proportions of viable lymphocytes and G2/M polymorphonuclear cells. Our findings indicate that veterinarians who are frequently exposed to inhaled anesthetic exhibit chromosomal and cell damage in addition to changes in peripheral blood cell proliferation. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/10026-6 - Transcriptional, epigenetic, metabolomics and oxidative-inflammatory profile of anesthetic exposure in professionals working in a veterinary surgical center
• Grantee: Mariana Gobbo Braz
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/08455-0 - Impact of the occupational exposure to halogenated anesthetics on genomic instability and cytotoxicity of professionals who work in veterinary hospital
• Grantee: Drielle Baptista dos Santos Figueiredo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Technical Training Program - Technical Training
• FAPESP's process: 18/20900-0 - Impact of the occupational exposure to halogenated anesthetics on genomic instability and cytotoxicity of professionals who work in veterinary hospital
• Grantee: Mariana Gobbo Braz
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants