Objectives: To investigate the possible effects of sevoflurane anesthesia and epigallocatechin 3- gallate (EGCg) on cardiac tissue by evaluating the oxidant and antioxidant status in rats.

Materials and Methods: Tree groups of animals were studied. Sevoflurane 3% (v/v) in air/O₂ were administered to animals in group 1 (n = 6) and sevoflurane plus EGCg was administered in group 2 (n = 6). Six animals were allocated to control group (group 3). Malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NOx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) in cardiac tissue were studied.

Results: In group I, MDA, SOD and GSH-Px levels were significantly increased (p<0.05, p<0.0001, p<0.001, respectively) while non-significant changes occurred in CAT and NOx activities. Supplementation of EGCg (group 2) decreased the MDA, SOD and GSH-Px activities whereas, the NOx activities increase with EGCg supplementation.

Conclusion: The amount of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme levels were more increased in following sevoflurane administration. The administration of intravenous EGCg significantly protected cardiac tissue. ©2007, Firat University, Medical Faculty