Neuroprotective effects of diallyl trisulfide in SOD1-G93A transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Diallyl trisulfide (DATS) is one of the major constituents in garlic oil and has been documented to transcriptionally activate phase II enzymes. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of DATS in prolonging disease duration and survival in a transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). SOD1-G93A transgenic mice were randomly divided into DATS-treated group (80mg/kg/d, p.o.) and vehicle-treated group at disease onset stage. Oral administration of DATS beginning at clinical onset stage significantly prolonged disease duration and extended life span for about one week. DATS treatment induced HO-1 and reduced GFAP expression in the lumbar spinal cord of SOD1-G93A transgenic mice. This study indicates that DATS has multifunctional neuroprotective effects in SOD1-G93A transgenic mice.