(A) Cells were pretreated with different concentrations (5μM, 10μM, 25μM, 50μM, and 75μM) of berberine for 24 h and then stimulated by LPS (100 ng/ml) for 2 h. Western blot analysis revealed the protein expression of NLRP3 as the concentration of berberine increased. (B) Berberine inhibits the expression of pro-IL-1β in macrophages. Western blotting showed that the expressions of pro-IL-1β and phospho-IκB were downregulated in a dose-dependent manner as the concentration of berberine increased (**P<0.01, ***P<0.001 vs. the blank group, n=3). (C) Effects of berberine on the LPS-induced phosphorylation of IkB and nuclear import of NF-kB in macrophages. Confocal microscopy was used to observe the effects of berberine on NF-κB p65 nuclear import Effects of berberine on the protein expression of NLRP3 in macrophages.