In contrast, the percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg population was significantly increased by ERC treatment in ALI mice (Fig. 7, p < 0.01, versus untreated group and normal control group), demonstrating that ERCs have hepato-protective effects in CCl4-induced acute liver injury through upregulation of Treg population in mice. This evidence concerns the gene FOXP3 and acute respiratory distress syndrome.