Methanol Formation, Toxicity and its Impact on the Human Nervous System and Liver

Abstract

Methanol poisoning is a severe public health issue that causes disease and death, particularly in developing countries. Exposure can occur intentionally or unintentionally through several industrial products such as cleansers, solvents, antifreeze, perfumes, and paints. The toxic dose of methanol is approximately 1g/kg, emphasizing its potent toxicity. Methanol intoxication is chiefly caused by the harmful metabolites which are formed during its breakdown. These metabolites encourage metabolic acidosis. Formic acid, a methanol breakdown product, troubles mitochondria, distressing cytochrome oxidase and ATP production. Methanol-related problems include neurological disorders, vision problems, liver impact, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson's. Key lab tests, including osmolality and anionic gap, aid in recognizing alcohol harm. Furthermore, detecting a faint smell of methanol in the breath, observing visual disturbances, and altered sensory neurons, seeing a history of abdominal pain, and conducting routine checkups support the early diagnosis of methanol poisoning. Treatment using prompt gastric lavage, sodium bicarbonate given intravenously, management with ethanol, folate-dependent folate systems suggest, dialysis, competent ADH inhibitor “pyrazole”, specific antidote “Fomepizole” can be used to treat methanol poisoning. Regular toxicologist check-ups are critical in such cases. Definite symptoms like basal ganglia issues and eye problems require consultations with neurologists and ophthalmologists. For cases needing hemodialysis or liver tissue recovery, consulting a nephrologist is essential. It is suggested to immediately act to prevent harm, especially for industrial workers, rural alcohol sellers, those with alcoholism, and vulnerable youth vulnerable to methanol poisoning.