The long terminal repeat (LTR) of HIV-1 is the target of cellular transcription factors such as NF-κB, and serves as the promoter-enhancer for the viral genome when integrated in host DNA. α-Lipoic Acid (Alpha-Lipoic acid, ALA), a naturally occurring dithiol compound, plays an essential role in mitochondrial bioenergetics. α-Lipoic Acid reduces lipid accumulation in the liver by regulating the transcriptional factors SREBP-1, FoxO1, and Nrf2, and their downstream lipogenic targets via the activation of the SIRT1/LKB1/AMPK pathway. Treatment of cells with α-Lipoic Acid (250, 500 and 1000 μM) significantly increases the NAD ⁺ /NADH ratio in HepG2 cells (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Treatment with α-Lipoic Acid (50, 125, 250 and 500 μM) increases SIRT1 activity in HepG2 cells. α-Lipoic Acid (50, 125, 250, 500 and 1000 μM) increases phosphorylation of AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) in HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent fashion.

C57BL/6J mice, divided into four groups, are fed an high-fat diet (HFD) for 24 weeks to induce nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) followed by daily administration of α-Lipoic Acid. Then, the effects of α-Lipoic Acid on hepatic lipid accumulation in long-term HFD-fed mice are assessed. Administration of α-Lipoic Acid (100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg) markedly reduces visceral fat mass in mice. In addition, α-Lipoic Acid (100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg) treatment inhibits the appetite and causes a dramatic weight loss (all P<0.05).