Investigating the Effects of Intravenous Lipid Emulsion (ILE) Administration with Ethanol on Liver, Kidney and Heart in Rats with Acute Methanol Poisoning

Abstract Background Acute methanol poisoning is a serious condition that can lead to severe illness and fatalities, often requiring emergency admission. Methanol, an alcohol derived from wood distillation, finds its applications in various industrial products such as antifreeze, paint thinner and glass cleaner. Every year, countless individuals suffer from disabilities or lose their lives due to methanol poisoning, a substance illicitly produced in Turkey and incorporated into alcoholic beverages for its affordability. Aim This study aims to investigate the effects of methanol poisoning on rats, which claims the lives of numerous individuals annually. Additionally, we aim to evaluate the outcomes of intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) treatment combined with ethanol. ILE has emerged as an effective antidote in the resuscitation of hemodynamically unstable patients suffering from drug intoxication, particularly those caused by fat-soluble substances like local anesthetics. By examining the efficacy of ethanol and ILE administration on potential tissue damage in the liver, kidney, and heart due to methanol toxicity in rats, we seek to evaluate the results. Methods A total of 64 male rats were utilized in the study, divided into seven groups: a control group (n = 8), methanol group (n = 10), methanol + ethanol group (n = 10), methanol + ILE group, methanol + ethanol + ILE group (n = 12), ethanol group (n = 8), and ILE group (n = 8). Following the respective treatments, the animals were monitored for five days, and surviving animals were decapitated for sample collection. Animals at risk of toxicity-induced mortality were decapitated and sampled upon experiencing distress. Blood, brain, eye, and optic nerve samples were obtained for biochemical and pathological examinations. Liver, kidney, heart, and testicular tissue samples were also collected and stored appropriately. Ethical approval was obtained for future studies involving these tissues. This study aims to investigate the acute effects of methanol poisoning on rat tissues, explore the potential impact of ethanol and ILE administration on the liver, kidney, and heart, and assess their effectiveness in mitigating methanol toxicity. Results Regarding liver enzymes, the M + E group exhibited the lowest levels of ALT, AST, and ALP, while LDH levels were lowest in the M + E + ILE group. AST levels were significantly lower in the M + E group compared to the Ethanol and ILE groups (p = 0.008 and p = 0.026, respectively), whereas ALT levels were significantly lower in the M + E and Ethanol groups than in the Methanol group (p = 0.032 and p = 0.004, respectively). Significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of lung infection (p = 0.007), lung congestion compared to Fischer (p = 0.042), and lung fibrosis compared to Fischer (p = 0.032). Moreover, there was a significant difference between the groups regarding kidney congestion (p = 0.0001). Conclusions Administration of ethanol following methanol intoxication resulted in a significant reduction, particularly in renal function tests. Notably, lower levels of liver damage parameters, ALT and TP, were observed.