Objective    To compare the therapeutic effects of cordyceps sinesis (CS) and reduced glutathione on experimental non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) rats and explore the possible molecular mechanisms.     Methods    After NAFLD rats were induced by high-fat diet and were treated by CS and reduced glutathione. The histopathologic changes of livers were evaluated. The levels of TG and FFA in serum and liver were measured.  The levels of SOD and ATP in liver were measured too.     Results    (1)In the development of NAFLD

extensive adipose degeneration

inflammatory cell infiltration and necrosis

local fibrous tissue hyperplasia were found in the liver. The increase of TG

FFA in the serum and liver and decrease of SOD and ATP in the liver were seen. (2)In CS treated group

adipose degeneration had been alleviated with slightly inflammatory cells infiltration and no necrosis or fibrosis had been found. The concentrations of TG and FFA were decreased in the serum and liver

but SOD and ATP increased. (3)In glutathione treated group

adipose degeneration of liver and inflammatory cells infiltration remained obviously with focus or punctiform necrosis

but without fibrosis. The increase of SOD in liver was distinguished. No changes of TG

FFA

UCP-2 and ATP had been detected.     Conclusion    Both CS and reduced glutathione have therapeutic effects on NAFLD

by preventing the generation of liver fibrosis. CS has a better therapeutic effects on metabolic disturbance or accumulation of lipid and energy metabolic imbalance of liver cells.