Science confirms usefulness of TCM in slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease

Kidney diseases are silent killers, and many experts have explored numerous herbal remedies to address chronic kidney disease. Researchers from Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine investigated the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of jian pi yi shen formula (JPYSF) in treating chronic kidney disease. The results of their study were published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

JPYSF is a Chinese herbal decoction that has long been used for treating chronic kidney disease. It is used to fortify the spleen and tonify the kidney, as well as to activate blood and resolve stasis. However, the mechanisms for these effects remains unclear.

The Chinese researchers aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects and possible mechanisms of JPYSF on retarding the progression of chronic kidney disease in 5/6 nephrectomized (5/6 Nx) rats. They administered perindopril (4?mg/kg/d) and JPYSF (2.72?g/kg/d) to 5/6 Nx rats by gavage every day for six?weeks.

They evaluated the therapeutic effects of JPYSF by renal function, pathological injury, and fibrosis. They also measured the protein levels associated with mitochondrial quality control network using Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis.

The 5/6 Nx rats exhibited a significant decline in renal function as evidenced by increased serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and urinary protein excretion. There was also significant injury in kidney structure as evidenced by glomerular hypertrophy, tubular atrophy, and interstitial fibrosis.

The kidneys of 5/6 Nx rats showed unbalanced mitochondrial quality control network manifested as decreased mitochondrial biogenesis, fusion, and mitophagy, and increased mitochondrial fission.

JPYSF-treated rats showed improvements in both renal function and kidney structure. JPYSF treatment also showed potential in restoring aspects of the mitochondrial quality control network.

Based on these results, the researchers concluded that treatment with JPYSF can ameliorate 5/6 Nx-induced chronic kidney disease, which may be related to the modulation of the mitochondrial quality control network. (Related: Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen, a Chinese herbal decoction, found to promote kidney health.)

Keeping your kidneys healthy

Kidney diseases are usually the result of preexisting conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and a family history of kidney failure. It is estimated that 30 million people in the U.S. have chronic kidney disease. The term “chronic kidney disease” means lasting damage to the kidneys that can get worse over time and lead to kidney failure.

Preventing the onset of other diseases may help reduce your risk of developing kidney disease. Here are some tips for keeping your kidneys healthy and functioning properly. (h/t to WorldKidneyDay.org)

• Keep moving — Keeping fit helps to reduce your blood pressure and therefore reduces the risk of kidney disease (and other health problems).
• Watch your blood sugar levels — Diabetes is one of the major risk factors for chronic kidney disease, so it is important for diabetics to have regular tests to check their kidney functions. If you’re still within a healthy range, it’s better to prevent diabetes from occurring in the first place. Consult your physician on how to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
• Monitor your blood pressure — Hypertension may be a common risk factor for a stroke or heart attack, but it is also one of the major causes of kidney damage. It is also more likely to cause kidney damage when associated with other conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
• Maintain a healthy weight — Keeping your weight in check will prevent the development of a host of health problems, including chronic kidney disease. An effective way to maintain a healthy weight is through exercise coupled with a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables.
• Do not smoke — Numerous health problems can result in smoking. Smoking, in general, weakens the immune system and deteriorates body organs, including the kidneys. Smoking also increases the risk of kidney cancer by about 50 percent.

Visit Prevention.news for more tips on how to prevent kidney disease and other health problems.

Sources include:

BMCComplementalAlternMed.BiomedCentral.com

WorldKidneyDay.org