The effect of chronic exposure to anesthetic agents on cognitive functions and genetic structure

Objective: The effect of anesthesia on the cognitive functions, in particular on the development of Alzheimer's disease, has been one of the most interesting issues in the last 10 years. While susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease, which may develope due to environmental factors, is determined by APO E gene (?4 allele), detection of amyloid beta protein level may also show the breakdown of cognitive functions in Alzheimer's disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cognitive dysfunctions, which may develope due to anesthetic gases on Anesthesia Physicians, who work indoor environments for a long time, on the clinical, biochemical and genetic bases.Material and Methods: Forty five 10 years and older -Anesthesiologists and 44 volunteer Physicians working in branches outside the operating room were included into the study. Physicians were chosen from University Medical Center and State Hospitals. Physicians were firstly divided into two groups as Anesthesiologists and Non-Anesthesiologists, then divided into subgroups as Specialists and Faculties. By taking the bloods from the subjects, detection of Amyloid beta protein 40 and 42 levels and APO E gene was planned. Also, a mini mental test evaluating cognitive functions was applied to each volunteer.Results: Anesthesiologist and Non-Anesthesiologist groups were found similar in terms of demographic data, similar (proponent) diseases, medicine use and social customs. The ratio of ?4 allele-carrier was 12,35 percent among 89 volunteer. There was also no significant difference among the groups for amyloid beta 40, 42 proteins and 42/40 ratio as well as APO E gene allele polymorphism. In comparison of the subgroups, no significant differences were again observed in terms of the same parameters mentioned above between Anesthesiologist and Non-Anesthesiologist Faculties and between Anesthesiologist and Non- Anesthesiologist Specialists.Conclusion: When Non- Anesthesiologist and Anesthesiologist Physicians who was exposed to inhalation anesthetics for longer time were clinically, biochemically and genetically compared for the cognitive functions, they are able to show similar results. In this regard, we think that there is a necessity for the studies done by homojenized groups and more different tests as well as including long term investigation.Key Words: Cognitive function, anesthesia, apolipoprotein E, amyloid-beta protein, chronic exposure.