Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen recipe inhibits chronic kidney disease progression by ameliorating lysosomal injury and modulating autophagy through stress granules

To investigate the mechanisms by which Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen Recipe (JPYSR) affects chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression, focusing on stress granules (SGs), lysosomal integrity and autophagy regulation. A CKD model was induced in mice using a 0.2% adenine diet and treated with JPYSR (15.60 g/kg/day) via gavage. Renal function was assessed using serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. Pathological changes were evaluated using PAS and Masson's trichrome staining. Protein and gene expressions were analyzed using Western blot, qPCR, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. In vitro studies were conducted on human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK2). Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism (version: 9) software. CKD progression was associated with lysosomal impairment and reduced autophagy. JPYSR treatment significantly improved renal function, reduced pathological changes, decreased renal fibrosis, promoted SG formation, alleviated lysosomal damage and maintained baseline autophagy. Inflammation was also diminished, as confirmed by in vitro experiments. JPYSR may slow CKD progression and reduce renal fibrosis by modulating SG formation, lysosomal function and autophagy levels.