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The globalization and the changes in consumer lifestyles are forcing us to face a deep transformation in food demand and in the organization of the entire food production system. In this new era, the food-loss and food-waste security nexus is relevant in the global debate and avoiding unsustainable waste in agri-food systems as well as the supply chain is a big challenge. "Food waste" is useful for the recovery of its valuable components, thus it can assume the connotation of a "food by-product". Sustainable utilization of agri-food waste by-products provides a great opportunity. Increasing evidence shows that agri-food by-products are a source of different bioactive molecules that lower the inflammatory state and, hence, the aggressiveness of several proliferative diseases. This review aims to summarize the effects of agri-food by-products derivatives, already recognized as promising therapeutics in human diseases, including different cancer types, such as breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. Here, we examine products modulating or interfering in the signaling mediated by the epidermal growth factor receptor.

In the present study, we aimed at assessing the influence of breed and feeding system on the bovine milk profile of betaines and carnitines and milk capacity in counteracting the inflammatory endothelial cell (EC) damage induced by interleukin (IL)-6. In the first experimental design, two breeds were chosen (Holstein vs. Modicana) to investigate the biomolecule content and antioxidant capacity in milk and dairy products. In the second experimental design, two feeding systems (pasture vs. total mixed ratio) were tested only in Holstein to evaluate the possible effect on the functional profile of milk and dairy products. Finally, the bulk milk from the two experimental designs was used to evaluate the efficacy of preventing IL-6-induced endothelial inflammatory damage. Results showed that Modicana milk and whey had higher biomolecule content and antioxidant activity compared to Holstein milk (p < 0.01). Milk from Holstein fed TMR showed higher concentration of γ-butyrobetaine, δ-valerobetaine (p < 0.01), and l-carnitine (p < 0.05). Similarly, whey from Holstein fed TMR also showed higher content of δ-valerobetaine, glycine betaine, l-carnitine, and acetyl-l-carnitine (p < 0.01) compared to the Holstein fed pasture. Conversely, the antioxidant activity of milk and dairy products was not affected by the feeding system. In ECs, all milk samples reduced the IL-6-induced cytokine release, as well as the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the induction of cell death, with the most robust effect elicited by Modicana milk (p < 0.01). Overall, Modicana milk showed a higher content of biomolecules and antioxidant activity compared to Holstein, suggesting that the breed, more than the feeding system, can positively affect the health-promoting profile of dairy cattle milk.