This reduction in oxidative damage may lower the likelihood of mutations that could lead to cancerous transformations in cells.[22] Inhibition of tumor proliferation: catechins have been shown to inhibit cell proliferation by interfering with signaling pathways critical for cancer cell growth, such as the PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways.[23] This interference can lead to reduced tumor growth and spread. The gene discussed is AKT1; the disease is cancer.