Effect of berberine on serum HMGB1 level of sepsis mice

Objective To investigate the effect of berberine on serum high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) level and survival rate in sepsis mice.Methods Mouse sepsis model was established using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP).Spesis mice were randomly divided into control group and berberine-treated group which were respectively administered (i.p.) 1 h before CLP and 24,48,72 and 96 h after CLP with 5 mg/kg berberine.The changes of serum HMGB1 level and survival rate were observed at several time points.Results Serum HMGB1 level were markedly decreased (P0.05),and the survival rate increased from 32% to 68% at 120 h after CLP (P0.01),after the mice were treated with berberine.Conclusions Berberine decreases serum HMGB1 level,and confers protection against sepsis lethality.