Objective To explore the possible mechanism of Qiangxin No.1 Compound（QX1

强心一号复方） in treating sepsis. Methods Thirty-six male C57 BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham operation group

model group

and QX1 group

with 12 mice in each group. Cecal ligation and perforation was performed on mice in the model group and QX1 group to establish a sepsis model

while no ligation and puncture was given to the sham operation group. Two hours after the modeling

QX1 at a dose of 1 g/（kg·d） was given by gavage in QX1 group

while 1 ml normal saline was given by gavage in the model group and sham operation group

once daily for 10 consecutive days. RNA was extracted from the hippocampus tissues of the mice and were analyzed by high-throughput sequencing method. Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of microglial polarization-related genes including Toll-like receptor 4（Tlr4）

high mobility group protein b1（Hmgb1）

interleukin 10（IL-10）

and recombinant human arginase 1（Arg-1） genes. Results The pairwise comparison analysis showed that there were significant differences in 64 genes between the two groups of sham operation group

model group and QX1 group

of which the top 10 genes were Slc11 a1

Ephx2

Dusp19

Serhl2

GLP

Atm

Ipo9

C1 qtnf9

Tpra1

and Cat. Compared to those of the sham operation group

the expression levels of Tlr4

Hmgb1

Arg-1 and IL-10 genes in the hippocampus of the model group significantly increased（P<0.05）. Compared to the model group

the QX1 group had significantly lower expression levels of Tlr4 and Hmgb1 genes in the hippocampus（P<0.05）

as well as higher expression levels of Arg-1 and IL-10 genes（P<0.05）. Conclusion QX1 may exert an effect on sepsis by regulating the polarization of microglia in the hippocampus.