Fig. 2

PK5-RL-Gal-3C inhibits tumor growth in orthotopic mouse liver cancer model and prolongs the survival time of tumor-bearing mice. Orthotopic mouse liver cancer model was successfully established with mouse liver cancer cells—ML-1 according to the materials and methods. A Schematic diagram illustrated the therapeutic schedule. B and C H1/EEV-PK5-RL-Gal-3C (n = 5) nanoparticles treatment significantly inhibited tumor growth compared to the control (n = 5), H1/EEV-PK5 (n = 5), and H1/EEV-Gal-3C (n = 3). D and E H1/EEV-PK5-RL-Gal-3C (n = 6) nanoparticles treatment inhibited tumor growth compared to the control (H1/EEV, n = 5) and sorafenib (n = 6) with significant difference. F H1/EEV-PK5-RL-Gal-3C (n = 4) treatment significantly prolonged the survival time of tumor-bearing mice compared to the control (H1/EEV, n = 5). G and H After treated with H1/EEV and H1/EEV-PK5-RL-Gal-3C nanoparticles, the tumors were removed and stained by Ki-67 antibody using IHC. H1/EEV-PK5-RL-Gal-3C treatment down-regulated the expression of Ki-67 in tumor tissues. Scale bar = 20 μm. Significant differences are denoted by * for p < 0.05, and ** for p < 0.01