Investigation of anticarcinogenic and antioxidant effects of 4-methylimidazole

4-methylimidazole is widely used in pharmaceuticals, photographic and agricultural chemicals. The substance is extensively found in many human and animals foods. In this research, anticancer effect of the 4-MEI was studded using MTT test using MCF-7 cell line. Effect of the 4-MEI on apoptosis or necrosis was analyzed by DNA fragmentation assay using Swiss Albino rats as a model organism. Antioxidant effect of the substance was investigated by assaying protective effect of the substance on circular plasmid DNA against H2O2 as an oxidative agent. 4-MEI showed inhibitory effect on proliferation of MCF-7 cell line by all concentrations and the decrement was significant and concentration dependent. Result of DNA fragmentation assay showed 4-MEI concentrations dependent of smear formation showing necrotic effects of the 4-MEI on mouse cells. Also, the 4-MEI showed a good antioxidant activity and protective effect against H2O2. CONCLUSION: The result of this study showed that 4MEI has significant antioxidant and anti-cancer effect. Also, according to the result, 4-MEI has necrotic effects on mouse cells