Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 functions as a neuroprotective hormone and may protect against cognitive impairment, which may occur as a result of sevoflurane exposure. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of sevoflurane on the production of IGF-1 and investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying this regulation. The BRL rat hepatocyte cell line and adult mice were exposed to 1 or 2 minimal alveolar concentrations sevoflurane for 4 or 8 h. IGF-1 and microRNA-98 levels were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses. The importance of microRNA-98 in the regulation of IGF-1 by sevoflurane was investigated using a microRNA-98 inhibitor. Sevoflurane treatment reduced IGF-1 levels and simultaneously upregulated microRNA-98 expression levelsin rat hepatocytes and adult mice. Inhibition of microRNA-98 attenuated this effect. Therefore, sevoflurane may reduce the synthesis of IGF-1 by upregulating microRNA-98 expression.