6-Shogaol ameliorates experimental colitis and colitis-associated colorectal cancer in mice through the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway

The progression from ulcerative colitis to colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) represents a significant clinical challenge. 6-Shogaol, a bioactive phenolic compound of ginger, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of 6-shogaol against colitis and CAC, and explore the underlying mechanisms through network pharmacology and in vivo validation. Putative hub targets and pathways associated with 6-shogaol were identified through network pharmacology. Murine models of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and azoxymethane/DSS-induced CAC were established, and the mice were treated with 6-shogaol to assess the latter’s therapeutic effects. The targets of 6-shogaol predicted through network pharmacology were mainly associated with oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling pathways. I n vivo , 6-shogaol relieved colitis symptoms and reduced CAC tumor burden. Furthermore, 6-shogaol alleviated intestinal inflammation by decreasing the colonic levels of TNF-α and MPO, and reduced oxidative stress in the colon tissues, as indicated by lower ROS production and malondialdehyde content. Moreover, 6-shogaol restored intestinal barrier function by upregulating claudin-4, occludin, and ZO-1, and decreasing intestinal permeability. Mechanistically, 6-shogaol promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation by upregulating nuclear Nrf2 expression while downregulating cytoplasmic Keap1, thereby activating antioxidant response element driver genes, including Hmox1 , Nqo1 , and Gclc . Molecular docking confirmed strong binding affinity between 6-shogaol and Keap1 receptor, with a low binding energy of -6.89 kcal/mol. These findings collectively suggested that 6-shogaol alleviated colitis and CAC in murine models by inhibiting colonic inflammation, relieving oxidative stress, and enhancing intestinal barrier function through the activation of the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway.