The PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway and Caspase-3 in Alzheimer's Disease: Which One Is the Beginner?

One of the main players in apoptosis during Alzheimer's disease progression are different members of caspase family of proteases. The most well-known member of this family is caspase-3, in which alterations of its levels have been detected in samples from Alzheimer's disease patients. There are numerous intracellular factors involved in regulation of cellular apoptosis through regulation of caspase-3 activity, the most important of which is the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This commentary tries to highlight the probable relations between PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and caspase-3 in Alzheimer's disease.

Potential effects of icariin, the Epimedium-derived bioactive compound in the treatment of COVID-19: a hypothesis

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has affected the world's health systems for more than two years. This disease causes a high mortality rate followed by cytokine storm-induced oxidative stress and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Therefore, many drugs have been considered with emphasis on their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in controlling the consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Icariin is a major bioactive pharmaceutical compound derived from Epimedium plants, which is known due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Additionally, the protective effects of icariin have been studied in different pathologies through modulating intracellular pathways. In addition to the potential effect of this compound on inflammation and oxidative stress caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, it appears to interfere with intracellular pathways involved in viral entry into the cell. Therefore, this paper aims to review the molecular mechanisms of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of icariin, and hypothesizes its potential to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells through modulating the intracellular pathways.

Hesperetin and the PI3K/AKT pathway: Could their interaction play a role in the entry and replication of the SARS-CoV-2?

Hesperetin, mainly found in citrus honey, has antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Recently, the effect of hesperetin on different aspects of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection such as viral entry, replication, and inflammatory responses has attracted a lot of attention. However, the exact molecular mechanism for its effects on SARS‐CoV‐2 infection is not stated. The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is an intracellular pathway involved in cell proliferation, protein synthesis, and response to environmental changes. Since the role of this pathway in the pathogenesis of SARS‐CoV‐2 has recently been considered, this letter assumes the probable role of this pathway in the function of hesperetin against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.