In this review, we describe mechanisms of proteolytic enzymes (MMP-9 and plasminogen activation system), their role in Down syndrome, their inhibition by EGCG, possible degradation of this polyphenol and the ability of EGCG and its degradation products to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Additional studies confirmed that the effects we observed had functional consequences, because the cells exhibited marked phenotypic alterations in vitro, including a large increase in MMP-9 production, which distinguishes the effects of T21 on CTBs from those of preeclampsia.