Novel Antioxidant for Treatment of Age-related Degenerative Diseases

We are studying the potential of S-allylmercapto-N-acetylcysteine (ASSNAC) a newly developed derivative of allicin (the active component in garlic) to serve as a treatment for oxidative stress associated degenerative diseases. The research involves cell biology tools and animal models.

The following specific subjects are studied:

• Demonstrating the capacity of ASSNAC to activate the transcription factor Nrf2 resulting in up-regulation of the antioxidant cellular mechanisms that increases the protective capacity of cells against reactive oxygen species. The research is done using cells in culture and c. elegans nematodes models.
• Testing the potential of ASSNAC to attenuate the clinical manifestations of neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis and cataract using animal models.