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Published on: January 31, 2012
Anti-Inflammatory and Chondroprotective Effects Induced by Phenolic Compounds from Onion Waste Extracts in ATDC-5
Mónica Paesa1, Carmen Ancín-Azpilicueta2, Gustavo Velderrain-Rodríguez3,4
1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Campus Río Ebro-Edificio I+D, C/ Poeta Mariano Esquillor S/N, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
Abstract:
Osteoarthritis is a prevalent degenerative condition that is closely related to the destruction and inflammation of cartilage. The high prevalence of this pathology exhorts researchers to search for novel therapeutic approaches. Vegetable-fruit wastes have emerged as a promising origin of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that, in some cases, may also exert chondroprotective effects. This study aims to decipher the potential of onion waste products in the inhibition of molecular events involved in osteoarthritis. Onion extracts showed a high content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties. Cytocompatibility was demonstrated in the chondrogenic cell line ATDC-5, exerting viability percentages higher than 90% and a slight increase in the S phase cycle cell. The induction of inflammation mediated by the lipopolysaccharide and onion extracts' treatment substantially inhibited molecular markers related to inflammation and cartilage degradation, highlighting the promising application of onion extracts in biomedical approaches. The in silico analyses suggested that the results could be attributed to protocatechuic, ellagic, and vanillic acids' greater cell membrane permeability. Our work provides distinctive information about the possible application of waste onion extracts as functional components with anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective characteristics in osteoarthritis.
Insights
Onion waste extracts show anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, offering potential chondroprotective effects for osteoarthritis treatment. These findings highlight a novel therapeutic approach using natural compounds to combat cartilage degradation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage destruction and inflammation.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are needed due to the high prevalence of OA.
- Vegetable-fruit wastes are recognized sources of bioactive compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of onion waste extracts in mitigating molecular pathways associated with osteoarthritis.
- To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity of onion waste products.
Main Methods:
- Extraction and characterization of phenolic compounds from onion waste.
- Assessment of antioxidant activity and cytocompatibility in the ATDC-5 chondrogenic cell line.
- Evaluation of the effects of onion extracts on inflammatory markers and cartilage degradation in vitro.
- In silico analysis to identify key bioactive compounds and their mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Onion extracts exhibited high phenolic content and significant antioxidant properties.
- Extracts demonstrated excellent cytocompatibility with ATDC-5 cells, maintaining over 90% viability.
- Treatment with onion extracts substantially inhibited molecular markers of inflammation and cartilage degradation.
- In silico studies suggested protocatechuic, ellagic, and vanillic acids contribute to the observed effects due to enhanced cell membrane permeability.
Conclusions:
- Waste onion extracts possess potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- These extracts show promise as functional components for developing novel therapeutic strategies against osteoarthritis.
- The findings support the utilization of agricultural byproducts for biomedical applications.

