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.

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.

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