Brief Communication: Increased Frequency of Micronucleus in the Bone Marrow of Mice under Simulated Occupational Exposure to Isoflurane

Isoflurane is a widely used inhalational anesthetic. Occupational exposure to waste anesthetic gases (WAGs) raises concerns about DNA damage. Bone marrow, highly susceptible due to its proliferative activity, has been scarcely investigated in rodents after exposure to WAGs. Therefore, the present study evaluated the impact of this exposure on micronucleus (MN) frequency and cytotoxicity, under conditions that mimic work environments with WAG to which thousands of professionals worldwide are occupationally exposed. Swiss mice were randomized into control, exposed, and recovery groups. Animals were subjected to daily 5 h exposures to 50 ppm isoflurane for 30 days. Bone marrow samples were analyzed using the MN assay. Isoflurane-exposed mice showed a significant increase in micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes compared to controls (p < 0.0001). The recovery group exhibited a partial reduction after 20 days without exposure, though values remained above the control. Simulated occupational isoflurane exposure induces chromosomal instability in bone marrow cells, even at recommended safety levels.