Fig. 4

AE-MGNPs normalizes tumor vasculature in CRC. (a-c) Relative expression of vessel-stabilizing and pro-angiogenic factors in HUVECs after incubating with free GSNO, AE-GNPs, and AE-MGNPs measured by qPCR. Results were exhibited as fold change compared to the untreated cells. (d-e) Tumor vessel perfusion in CRC tumors after five consequently treatments with AE-MNPs, AE-GNPs or AE-MGNPs. Vessel perfusion in tumors were marked using white arrow. Scale bars, 20 μm. (f-g) Quantification of pericyte coverage (fraction of area covered) in CRC after administration with AE-MNPs, AE-GNPs or AE-MGNPs. CD31⁺ endothelial cells were stained red and NG2⁺ pericytes were stained green. Scale bars, 20 μm. (h-i) Proportion of pimonidazole⁺ areas were used as a marker for hypoxia evaluation in CRC after treatment with AE-MNPs, AE-GNPs or AE-MGNPs. Scale bars, 100 μm. All above animals’ experiments were conducted at a dose of melittin 4 µg/mL and GSNO 30 µg/mL. **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.005, ****P < 0.001