Summary

The interaction of cells with the extracellular matrix (ECM) iscritical for the normal development and function of organisms.The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of Zn ⁺⁺ andCa⁺⁺ dependent endopeptidases, which are key mediators ofECM remodelling.The turnover and remodelling of ECM mustbe tightly regulated, since uncontrolled proteolysis would contributeto abnormal development and to the generation of manypathological conditions characterized by either excessive degradation,or lack of degradation of ECM components. In particular,the gelatinases (MMP-2 and -9) are abundantly expressed invarious malignant tumors, play an active role in angiogenesis, and may also influence the process of atherosclerotic lesionformation.In recent years,much consideration has been given tothe role of diet in preventing degenerative diseases, such ascancer and cardiovascular diseases. Polyphenols are abundantcomponents/micronutrients of the human diet that have beenshown in vitro to profoundly affect ECM turnover by regulatinggelatinases expression and activity, acting at both the pre- andpost-transcriptional level.Therefore, they could have a beneficialeffect in many pathological conditions implicated in connectivetissue destruction and remodelling associated with degenerativediseases.