Possibilities of inhalation anesthetics in blocking an excessive inflammatory response: a review

Abstract

The aim of the review is to analyze the available literature data on the effect of inhalation anesthetics on inflammation. Inflammation is the most important protective and adaptive, genetically determined process that occurs in response to damage or the action of a pathogenic factor, such as bacteria, fungi and viruses. This protective reaction is based on the activation of immune cells (neutrophilic granulocytes, monocytes, macrophages) with subsequent release of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activation of the nuclear factor κappa B (NF-κB), which causes the expression of inflammation genes and, as a result, the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The analysis of the results of experimental and clinical studies on this topic showed that inhalation anesthetics such as isoflurane, sevoflurane, desflurane have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. The analysis of the results of experimental and clinical studies on this topic showed that inhalation anesthetics, and primarily sevoflurane, have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. The anti-inflammatory effect of inhalation anesthetics is multifactorial. Experimental studies have shown that inhalation anesthetics reduce the production of reactive oxygen species. Inhalation anesthetics also block the activation of the main trigger of inflammation, namely NF-κB, and reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Inhalation anesthetics also block the activation of the main trigger of inflammation, namely NF-κB. In addition to the anti-inflammatory effect, inhalation anesthetics are characterized by an antiviral effect. Serious clinical studies are needed to explore the possibility of using inhalational anesthetics to block the inflammatory response.