Efficacy of ethanol and intravenous lipid emulsion on methanol toxicity in rats: Biochemical and histopathological insights

Abstract

Background: This study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy and interactions of intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) and ethanol in methanol toxicity, focusing on biochemical parameters, organ function, and histopathology. Methods: Sixty-four male rats were assigned to seven groups: control, methanol, methanol + ethanol, methanol + ILE, methanol + ethanol + ILE, ethanol, and ILE. Methanol (4 g/kg) was administered orally, followed by ethanol (1 g/kg) an hour later. ILE (1.5 ml/kg) was given within 30 minutes of methanol ingestion, with two additional doses every six hours. After five days, blood and organ samples were analyzed. Results: Ethanol significantly reduced ALT, AST, and ALP, while LDH was lowest in the methanol + ethanol + ILE group. Ethanol improved kid`ney function (p<0.001), whereas ILE alone increased creatinine. No significant differences were observed in 8- OHdG (p=0.572). Histopathology showed ethanol reduced liver congestion (p=0.0067), lung inflammation (p=0.0186), and congestion (p=0.0067). The combined therapy showed no significant advantage over ethanol alone. Conclusion: Ethanol remains the most effective treatment, while ILE’s role appears complex and timing-dependent, warranting further investigation.