Peretinoin is an oral acyclic retinoid with a vitamin A-like structure that targets retinoid nuclear receptors such as retinoid X receptor (RXR) and retinoic acid receptor (RAR). Peretinoin reduces the mRNA level of sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1) in vitro by downregulating a transcription factor, Sp1. Peretinoin prevents the progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through activating the autophagy pathway by increased Atg16L1 expression. Peretinoin inhibits HCV RNA amplification and virus release by altering lipid metabolism with a EC50 of 9 μM.