Modulation of gut microbiota mediates berberine-induced expansion of immuno-suppressive cells to against alcoholic liver disease.

Background: Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid compound derived from many herbs, which has been used extensively to improve liver function. But action mechanism of its hepatoprotection in alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is far from being clear.

Aim: To investigate the underlying mechanism of berberine's therapeutic effect on ALD associated with gut microbiota-immune system axis.