The effects of nitrous oxide on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its soluble receptor 1 (VEGFR1) in patient undergoing urological surgery

Objective: Anesthesia and surgical intervention, leads to the development of systemic inflammatory response. The severity of the inflammatory response depends on the pharmacological effects of anesthetic agents and duration of anesthesia. Objective of the study was to investigate the effect of nitrous oxide on VEGF and VEGFR1 levels in patients undergoing surgery. Methods: Forty-four patients undergoing elective urological surgery were included in the study. Anesthesia maintenance was provided with 1-2 MAC sevoflurane, O(2) 50%, N(2)O 50% in 4L/m transporter gase for group 1 (n=22) and 1-2 MAC sevoflurane, O(2) 50%, air 50% in 4L/m transporter gase for group 2 (n=22) Venous blood samples for the measurement of VEGF and VEGFR1 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 Results: In the postoperative period serum VEGF levels had decreased significantly in both group whereas VEGFR1 did not show a significant change. Conclusions: Nitrous oxide showed significant effect on angiogenic parameters. Further detailed studies are required to evaluate the effect of nitrous oxide.