Context: Sirtuin-2 (SIRT2) is a longevity-related protein implicated in apoptosis, metabolic regulation and oxidative stress; however, its role in ageing pancreas remains unclear. Objective: This study investigated the effects of the selective SIRT2 inhibitor, Arabidopsis guanylate kinases-2 (AGK-2) on oxidative stress and apoptosis in aged rat pancreatic tissue. Methods: Young (3-month) and aged (22-month) Wistar albino rats were divided into control and AGK-2-treated groups (10 μM, 30 days). Total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) used commercial kits, then calculated Oxidative stress index (OSI). For detecting nitrosative stress, we determined nitrite-nitrate levels using the Griess test. SIRT2 and caspase-3 were evaluated by ELISA and Western blot. Discussion and conclussion: Our findings showed that ageing increased SIRT2 expression, oxidative stress and caspase-3 protein compared to young rats. AGK-2 treatment reduced SIRT2, TOS, OSI and caspase-3, and increased TAS particularly in aged rats. AGK-2 reverses ageing-associated changes in pancreatic oxidative stress and apoptosis. SIRT2 modulation may represent a potential therapeutic target against age-related pancreatic degeneration.
Keywords: Ageing; apoptosis; oxidative stress; pancreas; sirtuin-2.