The effect of sevoflurane and propofol on serum nuclear and mitochondrial DNA in pediatric patients with craniosynostosis

Influence of general anesthetics on modulation of systemic inflammatory response, neuronal damage and neuroapoptosis is important and associated with neurotoxic effect on developing brain and further neurocognitive disorders. Objective. To analyze extracellular nucleic acids (nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA) in peripheral blood of pediatric patients with craniosynostosis under inhalation anesthesia with sevoflurane and intravenous sedation with propofol undergoing MRI of the brain before neurosurgical intervention. Material and methods. A prospective cohort controlled study included 46 children with craniosynostosis (sevoflurane group, n=23; propofol group, n=23) and 20 healthy volunteers (10 children and 10 adults) as a control group. The content of nuclear (nDNA) and mitochondrial (mtDNA) DNA was assessed before general anesthesia and immediately after procedure. We compared these data with nDNA and mtDNA in healthy volunteers. Results. Serum nDNA (p<0.001) and mtDNA (p=0.013) were higher in healthy children compared to healthy adult volunteers. Nuclear DNA decreases (p=0.043) in children with craniosynostosis after inhalational anesthesia with sevoflurane, whereas mtDNA remains unchanged. Propofol has no effect on nDNA and mtDNA. Conclusion. Sevoflurane and propofol has either neutral or inhibitory effect on circulating nuclear and mitochondrial DNA.