Hongjam prevents hepatic damage against ethanol-induced fatty liver disease in rats

[Display omitted] •Hongjam contains enriched nutrients, including high levels of amino acids.•Hongjam has preventive effect against ethanol-induced fatty liver disease.•Hongjam reduces triglyceride levels in the plasma and liver of ethanol-treated rats.•Hongjam significantly reduces the plasma levels of ALT, AST and gamma-GT in ethanol-treated rats. Silkworm, Bombyx mori, contains beneficial components such as protein, minerals, amino acids and omega-3. We previously reported a technique to produce silkworms in an easy to eat Hongjam. In this study, the inhibitory effect of Hongjam (50, 100, and 300 mg/kg body weight) on ethanol liver damage was investigated. Normal diet, ethanol, ethanol with Hongjam were administered to male Sprague-Dawley rats for 4 weeks. Administration of Hongjam reduced triglyceride levels in plasma and liver. In addition, plasma concentrations of alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase were significantly decreased in the Hongjam administered group. Moreover, Hongjam administration effectively reduced the plasma level of interleukin-1 beta, a pro-inflammatory cytokine. These results suggest that dietary intake of Hongjam can prevent alcoholic liver disease.