Dual-Ligand-Modified Nanoscale Liposomes Co-Encapsulating Aspirin and Curcumin Inhibit Platelet-Induced Tumor Proliferation and Metastasis

Activated platelets (PLT) could adhere to tumor cells to promote tumor progression and metastasis. Therefore, inhibiting platelet activation and blocking the interaction between tumor cells and platelets are an effective approach to inhibit distal tumor metastasis. In this study, chondroitin sulfate (CS)–glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) dual ligand-modified liposomes (CS–GA–LIP) were prepared for codelivery of aspirin (ASP) and curcumin (CUR). In order to simulate the tumor microenvironment, we established the “HuH-7 + PLT” in vitro coculture cell model and the “H22 + NIH/3T3” coinjected mice model. Physicochemical analysis showed that the particle size of CUR&ASP/CS–GA–LIP was 133.27 nm with high stability. In vitro studies found that CUR&ASP/CS–GA–LIP could target both hepatocellular carcinoma cells and platelets, enhance drug retention in tumor cells, and effectively inhibit tumor proliferation and migration. In addition, in vivo antitumor results demonstrated that CUR&ASP/CS–GA–LIP could aggregate in tumor tissues, inhibit platelet activation and neoangiogenesis, and down-regulate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), exhibiting strong antiproliferative and antipulmonary metastatic abilities. Consequently, the combination therapy based on CS–GA–LIP might be a valuable antihepatocellular carcinoma strategy.