| Summary: | Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) are among the most common toxic compounds formed in food, particularly protein-rich foods when prepared at high temperatures for an extended period. To date, 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx) is considered one of the most abundant HCAs. However, only a few studies have been conducted on MeIQx, particularly on its carcinogenic potential, despite being labelled as Group 2B Carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. MeIQx has been shown to contribute to various types of cancer such as prostate, breast, colon and liver cancers. In most cancers, the genotoxic metabolites of MeIQx induce cancer primarily through the formation of DNA-carcinogen adducts, although some studies show their association with oxidative damage. Nonetheless, the involvement of various enzymes such as N-acetyltransferase, sulfotransferases, and glutathione S-transferases equally plays a crucial role in determining whether this carcinogen undergoes bio-activation or detoxification. This review sought to highlight the most recent research on the carcinogenic effects of MeIQx in prostate, colon, breast, and liver cancers, and provide a list of some potential compounds that can inhibit MeIQx formation. Epidemiological studies exploring the association between MeIQx exposure and prostate, breast and colon cancers produced mixed results. However, most of the experimental studies demonstrated the carcinogenic role of MeIQX in prostate, breast, colon, and liver cancers in both in vitro and in vivo models. Further investigation on the effects of its consumption on human health is needed which may help in understanding and reducing its potential to cause cancer. The inhibitory properties of other natural compounds on this carcinogen should also be explored. © 2024 The Authors.
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