Inhibition of infantile hemangioma growth and promotion of apoptosis via VEGF/PI3K/Akt axis by 755-nm long-pulse alexandrite laser

Abstract

Background

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is a common vascular tumor in female infants, which can lead to aesthetic issues and facial scarring. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects and underlying mechanisms of 755 nm long-pulsed alexandrite laser on IH.

Methods

Hemangioma endothelial cells (HemECs) were exposed to 755 nm long-pulsed alexandrite laser to evaluate its impact on cell proliferation and apoptosis. A patient-derived xenograft model was established to assess the inhibitory effects of laser treatment on IH in vivo.

Results

In vitro, 755 nm long-pulsed alexandrite laser effectively suppressed the proliferation of HemECs and induced cell apoptosis. Laser treatment significantly inhibited the volume and weight of tumors, accompanied by significant downregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (Akt) expression levels in both hemangioma cells and tumors. Additionally, laser treatment resulted in the conversion of VEGFA_165a to VEGFA_165b. TUNEL staining demonstrated increased apoptosis in tumor cells after laser treatment, along with upregulation of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax, and downregulation of Bcl-2.

Conclusion

In addition to the principle of selective photothermal decomposition, modulation of the VEGF/PI3K/Akt axis may serve as a potential mechanism for IH treatment using a long pulse-width 755 nm laser. This sheds valuable light on the molecular mechanisms underlying IH pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets while providing a theoretical basis for the safe and efficient management of proliferative IH using laser therapy.