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Involvement of Mitochondrial Dynamics and Mitophagy in Sevoflurane-Induced Cell Toxicity
Ming Li1, Jiguang Guo1, Hongjie Wang1,2
1School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei Province, China.
Abstract:
General anesthesia is a powerful and indispensable tool to ensure the accomplishment of surgical procedures or clinical examinations. Sevoflurane as an inhalational anesthetic without unpleasant odor is commonly used in clinical practice, especially for pediatric surgery. However, the toxicity caused by sevoflurane has gained growing attention. Mitochondria play a key role in maintaining cellular metabolism and survival. To maintain the stability of mitochondrial homeostasis, they are constantly going through fusion and fission. Also, damaged mitochondria need to be degraded by autophagy, termed as mitophagy. Accumulating evidence proves that sevoflurane exposure in young age could lead to cell toxicity by triggering the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis, inducing the abnormalities of mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy. In the present review, we focus on the current understanding of mitochondrial apoptosis, dynamics and mitophagy in cell function, the implications for cell toxicity in response to sevoflurane, and their underlying potential mechanisms.
Insights
Sevoflurane anesthesia can cause cell toxicity in young patients by disrupting mitochondrial apoptosis, dynamics, and mitophagy. This review explores these mechanisms and their implications for pediatric anesthesia safety.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Anesthesiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Sevoflurane is a common inhalational anesthetic, particularly in pediatric surgery.
- Growing concerns exist regarding sevoflurane-induced toxicity.
- Mitochondria are crucial for cellular health, involving processes like apoptosis, fusion/fission (dynamics), and mitophagy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of mitochondrial apoptosis, dynamics, and mitophagy.
- To explore the implications of these processes in sevoflurane-induced cell toxicity.
- To discuss the potential underlying mechanisms of sevoflurane toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on cellular and molecular mechanisms.
- Analysis of studies investigating sevoflurane effects on mitochondrial function.
- Synthesis of evidence related to apoptosis, mitochondrial dynamics, and mitophagy.
Main Results:
- Sevoflurane exposure can trigger the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis.
- Abnormalities in mitochondrial dynamics (fusion and fission) are observed following sevoflurane exposure.
- Sevoflurane can impair mitophagy, leading to the accumulation of damaged mitochondria.
Conclusions:
- Sevoflurane toxicity in young individuals is linked to disruptions in mitochondrial apoptosis, dynamics, and mitophagy.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for improving the safety of sevoflurane anesthesia.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise molecular pathways involved.
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