Objective       To investigate the expression differences of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) in the proliferating and regressing phases of infantile hemangiomas and their correlation with the proliferation and regression.       Methods       A total of 63 children with infantile hemangiomas admitted in our department from May 2010 to June 2012 were enrolled in this study. They all received selective surgery

and the obtained fresh specimens were divided into

proliferating phage group (n=32) and regressing phage group (n=32) according to Mulliken. The expression of PEDF

vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)

Ki-67 and CD34 in the specimens at mRNA and protein levels was examined with quantitative real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemical assay.  Microvessel density (MVD) and rate of Ki-67 positive cells were analyzed with the expression of PEDF and VEGF.       Results       The protein and mRNA expression of PEDF were significantly lower in proliferative phase than in regressing phase (

P

0.05)

while the protein and mRNA expressions of VEGF were much higher (

P

0.05). The expression ratio of PEDF/VEGF had significant difference between the 2 phases (

P

0.05). Significant positive correlation was found between the changes of MVD and Ki-67 and the expression of VEGF

while

negative correlation was seen between the changes and the expression of PEDF.       Conclusion      PEDF and VEGF play regulating roles in the proliferation and regression of infantile hemangiomas. PEDF might be correlated with the spontaneous regression of infantile hemangiomas.