*3.7. PI3k*/*AKT Pathway*

Numerous studies on diseases that involve PI3K/AKT signaling investigated the possible effect of green tea administration [120]. Since green tea role in asthma treatment or occurrence need to be better clarified [121,122], the effect on molecular pathways at the basis of pathological processes has been explored. Recently, a possible mechanism of action has been proposed in brochial asthma. EGCG, being administered in drinking water 0.5 mg/mL, was demonstrated to reduce inflammation and the subsequent cellular infiltration in lung tissue of ovalbumin-challenged asthmatic mouse, inhibiting EMT via PI3/AKT pathway modulation in vivo and in vitro models [123]. On the other hand, EGCG modulation on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was associated to lung cancer prevention and suppression. EGCG activation/inhibition of PI3K/AKT was found to be a key switch in H1299 cells growth inhibition ad apoptosis induction [124]. Another interesting research has been carried on the neuroprotective action of EGCG in a middle cerebral artery occlusion model (MCAO), acting as a modulating agen<sup>t</sup> PI3K/AKT/eNOS signaling pathway [125]. The rats were treated with 20 mg/kg EGCG, injecting it with an arterial pump and the expressions of PI3K, p-AKT, and eNOS were detected by both immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Similarly, in unilateral chronic constriction injury to

the sciatic nerve, EGCG role as neuroprotective agen<sup>t</sup> was confirmed in rats [126]. 50 mg/kg EGCG was intraperitoneally administered daily for three days after nerve crush injury.
