Breed and Feeding System Impact the Bioactive Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Bovine Milk

Abstract

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.

Whey Improves In Vitro Endothelial Mitochondrial Function and Metabolic Redox Status in Diabetic State

“…Our data highlight that the functional properties of 3-kDa whey fraction to counteract T2DM-related mitochondrial and metabolic injury and to preserve endothelial homeostasis can be ascribed to the notable content of betaines, l -carnitine, and acylcarnitines and to the synergism among these biomolecules [ 32 ]. These bioactive compounds, such as betaines and short-chain acylcarnitines, are pivotal in human health and metabolically important in displaying anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties [ 62 , 63 ]. Therefore, the search for novel dietary sources highly rich in specific nutrients with health-promoting properties is still an open door.…”

Effect of Bovine Milk Peptides on Cell Inflammation, Proliferation and Differentiation: Milk Potential Benefits Are Preserved in an Unconventional Cow Feeding Strategy

“…Due to the wide range of putative healthy effects of milk, as a complete food and as a source of bioactive peptides, many studies are underway to improve both the quality of bovine milk and the dairy cow efficiency [ 8 , 9 ]. In this respect, animal genetics and nutrition may play an important role in the milk protein content and, consequently, in the bioactive peptides derived therefrom [ 10 ].…”