OBJECTIVETo explore the relation between the expressions of PD-ECGF and VEGF and the evolution of capillary hemangioma, so as to provide theoretical basis for treatment.

METHODSFourty cases with capillary hemangioma, proved by pathologic method, were randomly selected and divided into proliferative (n=22) and involuted groups (n=18), according to the Mulliken standard. 8 specimens from 8 children with prepuce operation were used as control group. All the specimens were fixed, embedded and underwent HE staining. The expression of PD-ECGF, VEGF and CD34 in endothelial cells were detected by immunohistochemistry. The microvessel-density (MVD) was also calculated. The results were analyzed by SPSS12.0.

RESULTSThe positive expression rates of PD-ECGF and VEGF were 95.45% (21/22) and 86.36% (19/22) in proliferative hemangioma, 77.78% (14/18) and 66.67% (12/ 18) in involuted hemangioma, 37.50% (3/8) and 37.50% (3/8) in normal skin. MVD in proliferative and involuted hemangioma and normal skin was 93.68 +/- 20.56, 51.94 +/- 20.73 and 17.50 +/- 5.30, respectively. There was a significant difference in PD-ECGF expression and MVD between the proliferative and involuted groups, or between the hemangioma and control groups (P < 0.05). The VEGF was significantly different between the proliferative and involuted groups, or between the proliferative and control groups (P < 0.05), but not between the involuted and control groups (P > 0.05). The expression of VEGF, PD-ECGD and MVD showed a positive relationship.

CONCLUSIONSPD-ECGF and VEGF have a synergetic effect in the proliferation of micro-vessels. PD-ECGF may enhance the activity of thymidine phosphorylase. They play an important role in the proliferation and involution of hemangioma.