Pennisetum glaucum (L.) Oral Supplementation Mitigates Multi-Organic Dysfunction Associated with Carcinogenesis in HPV16-Transgenic Mice

Abstract

Cancers induced by human papillomavirus are often associated with systemic inflammation and cachexia. This study aimed to determine the interference of Pennisetum glaucum oral supplementation over multi-organic dysfunction in HPV16-transgenic mice. The experimental groups included (1) wildtype (WT) mice with standard diet, (2) WT mice with 36% Pennisetum, (3) transgenic mice with standard diet, (4) transgenic mice with 29% Pennisetum, and (5) transgenic mice with 36% Pennisetum. During the 4-week experimental protocol, body weight, food and water intake, and humane endpoints were recorded. At sacrifice, blood and tissue samples were collected for analysis. Oral supplementation with millet was shown to be safe and well tolerated by both WT and transgenic mice, with no adverse effects on behavior, food or water intake, or general animal welfare. In HPV16-transgenic animals, millet supplementation was associated with an improved health status, reduced serum glucose levels, enhanced antioxidant responses, and a notable reduction in the severity of HPV-induced skin and organ lesions. Overall, Pennisetum glaucum was safe under these experimental conditions and is a promising functional food for patients suffering from systemic paraneoplastic syndromes. Longer exposure periods and doses should be evaluated experimentally before proceeding to clinical trials of Pennisetum-containing diets.