Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most fatal cancers globally, ranking third in cancer-related deaths, with particularly high prevalence in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Natural dietary compounds have demonstrated significant potential for both preventing and managing cancer. [6]-Gingerol, a phenolic constituent of ginger (Zingiber officinale), has shown chemoprotective effects against liver cancer development in animal models. The present study examines the molecular mechanisms of anticancer effects of [6]-gingerol in mouse model of early hepatocellular carcinoma events induced by diethylnitrosamine and promoted by 2-acetylaminofluorene. Thirty-two male BALB/c mice were distributed into four groups of ten animals each. Group 1 received corn oil. Group 2: received a single i.p dose of DEN (75 mg/kg) in normal saline after 7 days, followed by 2-acetylaminofluorene (200 mg/kg) 2-AAF in the diet. Group 3 was treated only with 6-GR (100 mg/kg). Group 4: Mice were pre-treated with [6]-gingerol in corn oil for 7 days, then treated with the same regimen as in Group 2, with treatment continuing for 4 weeks. Inflammation was evaluated by measuring IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels, as well as NF-κB and COX-2 expression. With strong evidence, 6-GR exhibited a potent anticancer effect against DEN and 2AAF-induced early events in hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting the proinflammatory cytokines.

Keywords: Hepatocellular carcinoma, 6-gingerol, Inflammation, Mouse model, Cytokine, Early events