I found the following interesting citation in a Medline search on
"ethoxyquin"; thought it would interest you guys ... the researchers found
that ethoxyquin in the diet (0.5%) caused kidney damage, and *may* have
exerted a carcinogenic effect (cancer, in other words) on the kidney.
 
Source:  Carcinogenesis 1987 May;8(5):723-8
 
Title: Ethoxyquin alone induces preneoplastic changes in rat kidney whilst
preventing induction of such lesions in liver by aflatoxin B1.
 
Researchers:  Manson MM, Green JA, Driver HE
 
Abstract: Pretreatment of Fischer 344 rats with the antioxidant ethoxyquin
(EQ), followed by administration of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in the continuing
presence of EQ was used to examine the effect of the antioxidant on liver
and kidney.  EQ (0.5% in diet) completely prevented the formation of
AFB1-induced preneoplastic liver lesions as judged by morphological
alteration, or by markers such as gamma glutamyl transpeptidase,
glutathione S-transferase P or J1, an unknown membrane-bound antigen.
 
While protection was afforded to the liver, EQ alone caused severe damage
to the kidney.  Many changes were those of chronic glomerulonephrosis, such
that EQ appeared to accelerate the ageing process.  In addition, many
hyperplastic and putative preneoplastic tubules were visible, suggesting
that EQ may be exerting a carcinogenic effect in the kidney.
 
Citation:  PMID: 2884050, UI: 87216418
[Posted in FML issue 2612]