Resumen
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths and the most frequently diagnosed cancer type. CRC risk can be preventable by modifiable risk factors, including diet. This study provides evidence on the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of whey from Mediterranean water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) milk in HT-29, HCT 116, LoVo, and SW480 cells. Results showed that whey induced metabolic dysfunctions and modulated the bioenergetic signature of CRC cells by targeting SIRT3 expression. These findings unveil the anti-neoplastic effects of whey and pave the way for the use of this by-product, rich in bioactive nutrients, in the setting of novel prevention strategies to reduce the risk of CRC.