The oxidative/anti-oxidative effects of sevoflurane on reproductive system of females: An experimental study

OBJECTIVE: A permanent balance exists between the production and elimination of reactive oxygen species in all living organisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sevoflurane possibly causing an imbalance in the equation of reactive oxygen species on the female rat reproductive system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 adult female Wistar-albino rats were placed into an anesthesia chamber to administer sevoflurane. Rats were randomly divided into six groups, each group consisting of five rats: the control group received 2 L/min O(2) 18 min/day for seven days; the first group received 1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of sevoflurane and 2 L/min O(2) 18 min/day for seven days; the second group received 1 MAC of sevoflurane and 2 L/min O(2) 18 min/day for seven days with no treatment for the next seven days; the third group received 1 MAC of sevoflurane and 2 L/min O(2) 18 min/day for 14 days; the fourth group received 1 MAC of sevoflurane and 2 L/min O(2) 18 min/day for 14 days with no treatment for the next seven days; and the fifth group received 1 MAC of sevoflurane and 2 L/min O(2) 18 min/day for 14 days with no treatment for the next 14 days. Bilateral ovaries were subsequently removed for biochemical analysis of tissue anti-oxidative enzyme levels. RESULTS: Slight fluctuations were detected in mean nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, prostaglandin F2-alpha, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, alginate dialdehyde, and xanthine oxidase levels between the groups; however, the differences were not significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Sevoflurane has no effect on the activity of anti-oxidant systems in the rat ovary.