Objective: To observe the effect of traditional Chinese herbal compound Jinlida particles (JLD) combined Tongxinluo capsule (TXL) on the ultrastructure and function of islet β-cells and the protein expressions of Beclin-1

Atg7 and p62 of pancreasin diabetic in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice. Method: T2DM mice were established by 6 weeks of high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Fifteen healthy male mice were set as the normal group. Another 75 T2DM mice were randomly divided into 5 groups:the model group

the JLD group (3.0 mg·kg-1·d-1)

the TXL group (0.4 g·kg-1·d-1)

the combination group (JT

3.0 g·kg-1·d-1+0.4 g·kg-1·d-1) and the pioglitazone (PLZ) group (10 mg·kg-1·d-1). At the 6th week

levels of serum glucose and insulin of each group were measured and the index of β-cell function in HOMA (HOMA-β) was calculated. The organelles injury of islet β-cells was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. Beclin-1

Atg7

p62 proteins were detected by Western blotting. Result: Compared with the normal group

the injury on islet β-cells was slight

the index of β-cell function in HOMA-β was decreased

the protein expressions of Beclin-1 and Atg7 decreased and the p62 protein expression increased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with model group

the index of β-cell function in HOMA-β was increased

the protein expressions of Beclin-1 and Atg7 increased and the p62 protein expression decreased in the treatment groups (P<0.01). Moreover

the results were better in the JT group (P<0.05). Conclusion: JLD and TXL could improve the islet β-cells function

the effect may be related to inducing islet autophagy and maintaining the pancreas level of autophagy. The later may be the crucial measures on the time delay of diabetes progression.