Mechanisms of Action of MicroRNAs in Infantile Hemangioma Tissue and Vascular Endothelial Cells in Different Periods

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the developmental mechanisms of infantile hemangioma (IH) from the microRNA level. MATERIAL/METHODS: A total of 63 biological specimens of IH were obtained from the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University and we assessed related miRNAs. Magnetic bead sorting, endocytosis test, canalization assay, and immunofluorescence detection were performed. The IH-derived cells were transfected with related factors and then we assessed the apoptosis and invasion. RESULTS: The contents of MiR-455, miR-206, and miR-29a in the proliferative period group (PP) were lower than in the complete regression period group (CR) (P<0.05), and the content of miR-29a in the regression period group (RP) was lower than in the group CR (P<0.05). The post-sorting proliferation capacity was faster than in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and IH-derived vascular endothelial cells (VECs) exhibited faster canalization ability. The cells transfected with miR-29a exhibited obvious apoptosis 48 h later, the cells transfected with miR-206 exhibited significantly reduced proliferation capacity as well as apoptosis 48 h later, and the invasion capacity was decreased 24 h after transfection. CONCLUSIONS: miR-29a, miR-206, and miR-455 are differently expressed in different periods of IH, and may participate in regulating multiple functions during the progression of IH.