Ethoxyquin (CAS 91-53-2)

Ethoxyquin acts as a synthetic antioxidant which inhibits chemically induced carcinogenesis, where it exerts its chemopreventive action by inducing glutathione synthetase and the phase II drug metabolizing enzyme, glutathione S-transferase (GST).Ethoxyquin, also referred to as EQ, is an aromatic compound and a potent antioxidant extensively utilized in animal and fish feeds. Its primary role is to safeguard against lipid peroxidation and fat rancidity in poultry, salmon, and beef. In vitro studies have demonstrated its ability to shield human lymphocytes from DNA damage induced by hydrogen peroxide, reducing the formation of micronuclei. In vivo experiments have shown that ethoxyquin can effectively mitigate chromosome aberrations, micronuclei formation, and dominant lethal mutations caused by cyclophosphamide in various animal species, including mice, rats, and Chinese hamsters. Notably, it can induce chromosome aberrations such as atypical translocations, breaks, and dicentrics in human lymphocytes and CHO cells. Additionally, in animal models, ethoxyquin has been associated with kidney and bladder damage. Chemically, ethoxyquin is classified as a quinoline compound, specifically a 1,2-dihydroquinoline, featuring three methyl substituents at positions 2, 2, and 4, along with an ethoxy substituent at position 6. Its versatility extends to roles as an agrochemical, herbicide, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase activator, neuroprotective agent, Hsp90 inhibitor, genotoxin, and food antioxidant. This compound belongs to the quinolines family and is characterized as an aromatic ether.