Silkworm (Bombyx mori) powder supplementation alleviates alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats

Abstract

Chronic alcohol consumption causes hepatic injury including fatty liver and fibrosis. Global interests in edible insects as future food source have been increased. We have previously demonstrated a new technology to make hard mature silkworm, Bombyx mori, into edible form, steamed and freeze-dried mature silkworm larval powder (SMSP). Here, we assessed the protective effects of SMSP on ethanol-induced hepatic steatosis and lipid metabolism in rats. SMSP supplementation for 4 weeks significantly attenuated ethanol-induced fat accumulation and LDL/HDL ratio by modulating lipogenesis and fatty acid oxidation-related gene expression such as SIRT1, AMPK, and ACC. SMSP administration also inhibited hepatic fibrosis by decreasing the levels of pro-collagen1 and α-SMA. Moreover, SMSP supplementation effectively restored total antioxidant levels and significantly reduced the levels of hepatic malondialdehyde and TNF-α. Our findings suggest that SMSP supplementation may be the promising strategy for the prevention or treatment of chronic alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Keywords

• AMP-activated kinase
• Ethanol
• Fatty acid oxidation
• Hepatic steatosis
• Hepatic fibrosis
• Mature silkworm powder