The Effect of Nitrous Oxide on IL-6, TNF-, and IL-10 Levels

Abstract

In our study, we aimed to investigate the effects of anesthetic agent nitrous oxide on inflammatory and antiinflammatory parameters. Forty-four patients undergoing elective urological surgey were included in the study. Anesthesia maintenance provided with 1-2 MAC sevoflurane, O2 50%, N2O 50% in 4L/m transporter gase for group 1 and 1-2 MAC sevoflurane, O2 50%, air 50% in 4L/m transporter gase for group 2. Venous blood samples for the measurement of IL-6, TNFα, IL-10 were taken before the induction of anaesthesia, 60 minutes of anesthesia induction, at the end of anaesthesia and 24 hours after operation. In statistical analysis Bonferroni test and analysis of variance at the repeated measures were used. In both groups serum IL-6 levels was significantly increased in the postoperative period. Whereas in this period TNF-α levels were significantly decreased. The rate of increase for IL-6 and rate of decline for TNF-α were found higher in nitrous oxide group. IL-10 levels did not show a significant change in both groups. In conclusion, nitrous oxide showed significant effect on inflammatory and antiinflamatory parameters. Further detailet studies are required to evaluate the effect of nitrous oxide.