Abstract
Formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are associated with diabetes mellitus, contributes to prominent features of osteoarthritis, i.e., inflammation-mediated destruction of articular cartilage. Among the phytochemicals which play a role in anti-inflammatory effects, anthocyanins have also been demonstrated to have anti-diabetic properties. Purple corn is a source of three major anthocyanins: cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside and peonidin-3-O-glucoside. Purple corn anthocyanins have been demonstrated to be involved in the reduction of diabetes-associated inflammation, suggesting that they may have a beneficial effect on diabetes-mediated inflammation of cartilage. This investigation of the chondroprotective effects of purple corn extract on cartilage degradation found a reduction in glycosaminoglycans released from AGEs induced cartilage explants, corresponding with diminishing of uronic acid loss of the cartilage matrix. Investigation of the molecular mechanisms in human articular chondrocytes showed the anti-inflammatory effect of purple corn anthocyanins and the metabolite, protocatechuic acid (PCA) on AGEs induced human articular chondrocytes via inactivation of the NFκb and MAPK signaling pathways. This finding suggests that purple corn anthocyanins and PCA may help ameliorate AGEs mediated inflammation and diabetes-mediated cartilage degradation.