In vivo and in vitro investigation of toxicity and protective effects of 4-MEI using cytogenetic and molecular techniques

4-methylimidazole (heterocyclic organic chemical compound) (4-MEI) is commonly found in human diet. This research was aimed to study of carcinogenic and anti-carcinogenic effects of 4-MEI, which was arisen during caramelization. The analysis was carried out by evaluating K-ras and the β-catenin gene expression in colon cancer rat models, made in our lab, by Real Time PCR and Western Blot techniques. Also, in this study genotoxic, antigenotoxic, cytotoxic and anti-cytotoxic effects of the 4-MEI were investigated in mice bone marrow cells. In addition, antibacterial effect of 4-MEI was examined using Bacillus subtilis, E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus as bacterial strains. The results of this study showed that 4-MEI had anticancer properties by reducing both the transcription and translation level of the beta- catenin and K-ras genes in cancerous rats. In addition, the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of the 4-MEI were approved in mouse bone marrow cells and it was found that these substance had no antigenotoxic effect on these cells. Also, it was supported that the 4-MEI has anti-bacterial effect on four different types of bacteria. The result of this study showed that 4-MEI can have anticancer effect but it can also be harmful for normal cells.