Influence of Aging on Pancreatic Protein Homeostasis in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Mice and Therapeutic Potential of Selected Ethanolic Plant Extracts

Abstract Diabetes mellitus disrupts protein metabolism through enhanced proteolysis, impaired insulin-mediated anabolic signaling, and oxidative stress. Aging further intensifies these disturbances by reducing cellular repair capacity and protein synthesis efficiency. The present study investigated age-related changes in pancreatic protein content in adult and aged type 2 diabetic mice and evaluated the protective effects of selected ethanolic plant extracts. Experimental diabetes significantly reduced pancreatic protein levels in both age groups, with a more pronounced decline observed in aged diabetic mice. Treatment with ethanolic extracts of Mangifera indica, Aegle marmelos, and Cynodon dactylon significantly improved pancreatic protein content, although recovery was greater in adult mice compared to aged animals. These findings indicate that aging increases pancreatic vulnerability to diabetic damage and influences tissue recovery potential. The study suggests that preservation of pancreatic protein integrity may be an important mechanism underlying the protective role of selected medicinal plant extracts in age-associated diabetic conditions.