Chitosan biguanide attenuates methanol poisoning by scavenging formaldehyde and reducing oxidative stress

Methanol poisoning is a life-threatening condition primarily driven by the accumulation of toxic metabolites such as formaldehyde (FA), formic acid and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we evaluated chitosan biguanide (CSBG) as a novel aldehyde scavenger and antioxidant therapy to mitigate methanol toxicity. CSBG showed strong binding affinity for reactive aldehydes and effective reduction in FA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. In a rodent model of methanol poisoning, CSBG treatment corrected acid-base imbalance and reduced histopathological damage in the optic nerve, liver, and kidneys. These findings identify CSBG as a promising aldehyde-scavenging agent with potential as an adjunct or alternative therapy for methanol poisoning and other toxicities induced by reactive aldehydes. In addition, CSBG may provide a new therapeutic approach for pathological conditions in which reactive aldehydes play a key role.