Propranolol for the treatment of infantile hemangioma / 中华皮肤科杂志

ABSTRACT

Propranolol is a non-selective β-adrenoceptor blocker. Various studies have confirmed that it is safe and effective for the treatment of infantile hemangioma. The mechanism of action mainly includes (1) pericyte-mediated hemodynamic changes and subsequent effects; (2) inhibiting proliferation of hemangioma-derived endothelial cells and stem cells by blocking cell cycle progression, inducing apoptosis of hemangioma-derived endothelial cells and differentiation of hemangioma-derived stem cells into adipocytes; (3) inhibiting the recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells; (4) reducing levels of pro-angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase, etc.