MMP9 and cancer: Additionally, genistein can inhibit the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by lowering the activity of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) responsible, as well as matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) expression, which is highly expressed in cancer cells, either by activating the AMPK pathway or by deactivating the PIP3 pathway [99].