Baoshen rehabilitation granules ameliorate sepsis-induced acute kidney injury by modulating oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage.

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of Baoshen Rehabilitation Granules (BSRG) on sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) and determine the potential molecular mechanisms involved. A murine model of septic AKI was established in C57BL/6 J mice via intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), followed by administration of BSRG at different dosages. Oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines in kidney tissues were measured using commercial assay kits and ELISA. Histopathological alterations were assessed through hematoxylin-eosin staining, while apoptosis in renal tissues was evaluated using TUNEL staining. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe mitochondrial ultrastructure, and JC-1 staining was performed to assess changes in mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, the expression of Pink1 and Parkin proteins was examined by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The results showed that treatment with BSRG significantly attenuated LPS-induced renal injury, with high-dose BSRG showing more pronounced protective effects. The treatment could effectively suppress inflammatory responses and apoptosis in septic AKI mice. Moreover, BSRG preserved mitochondrial integrity in renal tubular epithelial cells and alleviated mitochondrial damage by modulating oxidative stress. Notably, BSRG also inhibited Pink1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy in the kidneys of septic AKI mice. Taken together, these findings suggest that BSRG confers renal protection in sepsis-induced AKI by regulating oxidative stress and limiting mitochondrial injury.