Nitrous Oxide Genotoxicity

Past, present, and future of nitrous oxide

INTRODUCTION

For a drug that has been omnipresent for nearly 200 years, nitrous oxide's (N2O) future seems less certain than its illustrious past. Environmental concerns are coming to the fore and may yet outweigh important clinical benefits.

SOURCES OF DATA

After determining the scope of the review, the authors used PubMed with select phrases encompassing the words in the scope. Both preclinical and clinical reports were considered.

AREAS OF AGREEMENT

The analgesic and anaesthetic advantages of N2O remain despite a plethora of newer agents.

AREAS OF CONTROVERSY

N2O greenhouse gas effect and its inhibition of key enzymes involved in protein and DNA synthesis have provided further fuel for those intent on eliminating its further clinical use.

GROWING POINTS

The use of N2O for treatment-resistant depression has gained traction.

AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH

Comparative studies for N2O role in combatting the prescription opioid analgesic epidemic may well provide further clinical impetus.

Genotoxicity of Anesthetics Evaluated In Vivo (Animals)

The anesthesia has been improved all over the years. However, it can have impact on health, in both patients and animals anesthetized, as well as professionals exposed to inhaled anesthetics. There is continuing effort to understand the possible effects of anesthetics at molecular levels. Knowing the effects of anesthetic agents on genetic material could be a valuable basic support to better understand the possible mechanisms of these agents. Thus, the purpose of this review is to provide an overview on the genotoxic potential, evaluated in animal models, of many anesthetics that have already been used and those currently used in anesthesia.