Controlling nutritional status score in the prediction of cardiovascular disease prevalence, all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease population: NHANES 1999-2018.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is prevalent in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and associated with adverse outcomes, while COPD is intricately linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD), sharing common risk factors. The controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score, a promising tool for assessing malnutrition, warrants investigation into its predictive ability for cardiovascular disease prevalence and mortality in COPD patients. METHODS: Based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), this study analyzed 1501 adult COPD patients from 1999 to 2018. The endpoints were CVD prevalence, mortality related to CVD, and overall mortality. We evaluated the correlation of the CONUT score with each outcome using logistic regression and Cox regression models. The prognostic evaluation of patients was conducted using Kaplan-Meier curves in accordance with the CONUT score. We formed the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for evaluating the CONUT score's discriminative capability. RESULTS: The prevalence of malnutrition was 21.31% in COPD populations. Logistic analyses suggested a distinct connection between the CONUT score and CVD prevalence (OR:1.86, 95%CI:1.28-2.70) in individuals with COPD. The CONUT score demonstrated a significant correlation with a heightened risk of CVD mortality (HR: 1.86, 95%CI: 1.27-2.74) and overall mortality (HR: 1.50, 95%CI: 1.18-1.91). The prognostic outcomes might be effectively discriminated by the CONUT score, as seen by the Kaplan-Meier curves. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the CONUT score provides an uncomplicated and readily attainable marker for forecasting CVD prevalence, total mortality, and mortality from CVD among COPD patients.

Oral Metal-Free Melanin Nanozymes for Natural and Durable Targeted Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

Oral antioxidant nanozymes bring great promise for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment. To efficiently eliminate reactive oxygen species (ROS), various metal-based nanozymes have been developed for the treatment of IBD but their practical applications are seriously impaired by unstable ROS-eliminating properties and potential metal ion leakage in the digestive tract. Here, the authors for the first time propose metal-free melanin nanozymes (MeNPs) with excellent gastrointestinal stability and biocompatibility as a favorable therapy strategy for IBD. Moreover, MeNPs have extremely excellent natural and long-lasting characteristics of targeting IBD lesions. In view of the dominant role of ROS in IBD, the authors further reveal that oral administration of MeNPs can greatly alleviate the six major pathological features of IBD: oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, apoptosis, inflammation, gut barrier disruption, and gut dysbiosis. Overall, this strategy highlights the great clinical application prospects of metal-free MeNPs via harnessing ROS scavenging at IBD lesions, offering a paradigm for antioxidant nanozyme in IBD or other inflammatory diseases.

Revitalizing Ancient Mitochondria with Nano-Strategies: Mitochondria-Remedying Nanodrugs Concentrate on Disease Control.

Mitochondria, widely known as the energy factories of eukaryotic cells, have a myriad of vital functions across diverse cellular processes. Dysfunctions within mitochondria serve as catalysts for various diseases, prompting widespread cellular demise. Mounting research on remedying damaged mitochondria indicates that mitochondria constitute a valuable target for therapeutic intervention against diseases. But the less clinical practice and lower recovery rate imply the limitation of traditional drugs, which need a further breakthrough. Nanotechnology has approached favorable regiospecific biodistribution and high efficacy by capitalizing on excellent nanomaterials and targeting drug delivery. Mitochondria-remedying nanodrugs have achieved ideal therapeutic effects. This review elucidates the significance of mitochondria in various cells and organs, while also compiling mortality data for related diseases. Correspondingly, nanodrug-mediate therapeutic strategies and applicable mitochondria-remedying nanodrugs in disease are detailed, with a full understanding of the roles of mitochondria dysfunction and the advantages of nanodrugs. In addition, the future challenges and directions are widely discussed. In conclusion, this review provides comprehensive insights into the design and development of mitochondria-remedying nanodrugs, aiming to help scientists who desire to extend their research fields and engage in this interdisciplinary subject.

Model microgravity enhances endothelium differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are capable of differentiation into multilineage cell types under certain induction conditions. Previous studies have demonstrated that physical environments and mechanical force can influence MSC fate, indicating that these factors may be favorable inducers for clinical treatment. Our previous study found that MSCs are spread with a spindle shape when cultured in normal gravity (NG), and under modeled microgravity (MMG) for 72 h, they become unspread and round and their cytoskeleton fibers are reorganized. These morphological changes affected the function of MSCs through the activity of RhoA. We examined the responses of MSCs under MMG stimulation, followed with VEGF differentiation. We found that MSCs under MMG for 72 h were differentiated into endothelial-like cells by detecting the expression of endothelial-specific molecules (Flk-1 and vWF), which were also able to form a capillary network. Their endothelial differentiation potential was improved under MMG compared with that under NG. We believe that this method is a novel choice of MMG stimulation for neovascularization. This phenomenon may increase the potential of MSC differentiation, which might be a new strategy for the treatment of various vascular diseases and improve vascularization in tissue engineering.

Corrigendum: 2D-nanomaterials for AKI treatment.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1159989.].

2D-nanomaterials for AKI treatment.

Acute kidney injury has always been considered a sword of Damocles over hospitalized patients and has received increasing attention due to its high morbidity, elevated mortality, and poor prognosis. Hence, AKI has a serious detrimental impact not only on the patients, but also on the whole society and the associated health insurance systems. Redox imbalance caused by bursts of reactive oxygen species at the renal tubules is the key cause of the structural and functional impairment of the kidney during AKI. Unfortunately, the failure of conventional antioxidant drugs complicates the clinical management of AKI, which is limited to mild supportive therapies. Nanotechnology-mediated antioxidant therapies represent a promising strategy for AKI management. In recent years, two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, a new subtype of nanomaterials with ultrathin layer structure, have shown significant advantages in AKI therapy owing to their ultrathin structure, large specific surface area, and unique kidney targeting. Herein, we review recent progress in the development of various 2D nanomaterials for AKI therapy, including DNA origami, germanene, and MXene; moreover, we discuss current opportunities and future challenges in the field, aiming to provide new insights and theoretical support for the development of novel 2D nanomaterials for AKI treatment.

Role of nutrition in patients with coexisting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and sarcopenia.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common chronic diseases in the elderly population and is characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow obstruction. During COPD progression, a variety of pulmonary and extrapulmonary complications develop, with sarcopenia being one of the most common extrapulmonary complications. Factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of coexisting COPD and sarcopenia include systemic inflammation, hypoxia, hypercapnia, oxidative stress, protein metabolic imbalance, and myocyte mitochondrial dysfunction. These factors, individually or in concert, affect muscle function, resulting in decreased muscle mass and strength. The occurrence of sarcopenia severely affects the quality of life of patients with COPD, resulting in increased readmission rates, longer hospital admission, and higher mortality. In recent years, studies have found that oral supplementation with protein, micronutrients, fat, or a combination of nutritional supplements can improve the muscle strength and physical performance of these patients; some studies have also elucidated the possible underlying mechanisms. This review aimed to elucidate the role of nutrition among patients with coexisting COPD and sarcopenia.

Antioxidative 0-dimensional nanodrugs overcome obstacles in AKI antioxidant therapy.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a commonly encountered syndrome associated with various aetiologies and pathophysiological processes leading to enormous health risks and economic losses. In the absence of specific drugs to treat AKI, hemodialysis remains the primary clinical treatment for AKI patients. The revelation of the pathology opens new horizons for antioxidant therapy in the treatment of AKI. However, small molecule antioxidant drugs and common nanozymes have failed to challenge AKI due to their unsatisfactory drug properties and renal physiological barriers. 0-Dimensional (0D) antioxidant nanodrugs stand out at this time thanks to their small size and high performance. Recently, a number of research studies have been carried out around 0D nanodrugs for alleviating AKI, and their multi-antioxidant enzyme mimetic activities, smooth glomerular filtration barrier permeability and excellent biocompatibility have been investigated. Here, we comprehensively summarize recent advances in 0D nanodrugs for AKI antioxidant therapy. We classify these representative studies into three categories according to the characteristics of 0D nanomaterials, namely ultra-small metal nanodots, inorganic non-metallic quantum dots and polymer nanodots. We focus on the antioxidant mechanisms and their distribution in vivo in each inspiring work, and the purpose and ingenuity of each design are rigorously captured and described. Finally, we provide our reflections and prospects for 0D antioxidant nanodrugs in AKI treatment. This mini review provides unique insights and valuable clues in the design of 0D nanodrugs and other kidney absorbable drugs.

Precisely Inhibiting Excessive Intestinal Epithelial Cell Apoptosis to Efficiently Treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease with Oral Pifithrin-α Embedded Nanomedicine (OPEN).

The increased incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has seriously affected the life quality of patients. IBD develops due to excessive intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) apoptosis, disrupting the gut barrier, colonizing harmful bacteria, and initiating persistent inflammation. The current therapeutic approaches that reduce inflammation are limited. Although IBD can be treated significantly by directly preventing IEC apoptosis, achieving this therapeutic approach remains challenging. Accordingly, the authors are the first to develop an oral pifithrin-α (PFTα, a highly specific p53 inhibitor) embedded nanomedicine (OPEN) to effectively treat IBD by inhibiting excessive IEC apoptosis. As a major hub for various stressors, p53 is a central determinant of cell fate, and its inhibition can effectively reduce excessive IEC apoptosis. The tailored OPEN can precisely inhibit the off-target and inactivation resulting from PFTα entry into the bloodstream. Subsequently, it persistently targets IBD lesions with high specificity to inhibit the pathological events caused by excessive IEC apoptosis. Eventually, OPEN exerts a significant curative effect compared with the clinical first-line drugs 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and dexamethasone (DEX). Consequently, the OPEN therapeutic strategy provides new insights into comprehensive IBD therapy.

Passively-targeted mitochondrial tungsten-based nanodots for efficient acute kidney injury treatment.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) can lead to loss of kidney function and a substantial increase in mortality. The burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a key role in the pathological progression of AKI. Mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant therapy is very promising because mitochondria are the main source of ROS in AKI. Antioxidant nanodrugs with actively targeted mitochondria have achieved encouraging success in many oxidative stress-induced diseases. However, most strategies to actively target mitochondria make the size of nanodrugs too large to pass through the glomerular system to reach the renal tubules, the main damage site of AKI. Here, an ultra-small Tungsten-based nanodots (TWNDs) with strong ROS scavenging can be very effective for treatment of AKI. TWNDs can reach the tubular site after crossing the glomerular barrier, and enter the mitochondria of the renal tubule without resorting to complex active targeting strategies. To our knowledge, this is the first time that ultra-small negatively charged nanodots can be used to passively target mitochondrial therapy for AKI. Through in-depth study of the therapeutic mechanism, such passive mitochondria-targeted TWNDs are highly effective in protecting mitochondria by reducing mitochondrial ROS and increasing mitophagy. In addition, TWNDs can also reduce the infiltration of inflammatory cells. This work provides a new way to passively target mitochondria for AKI, and give inspiration for the treatment of many major diseases closely related to mitochondria, such as myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction.

Nanodrugs alleviate acute kidney injury: Manipulate RONS at kidney.

Currently, there are no clinical drugs available to treat acute kidney injury (AKI). Given the high prevalence and high mortality rate of AKI, the development of drugs to effectively treat AKI is a huge unmet medical need and a research hotspot. Although existing evidence fully demonstrates that reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) burst at the AKI site is a major contributor to AKI progression, the heterogeneity, complexity, and unique physiological structure of the kidney make most antioxidant and anti-inflammatory small molecule drugs ineffective because of the lack of kidney targeting and side effects. Recently, nanodrugs with intrinsic kidney targeting through the control of size, shape, and surface properties have opened exciting prospects for the treatment of AKI. Many antioxidant nanodrugs have emerged to address the limitations of current AKI treatments. In this review, we systematically summarized for the first time about the emerging nanodrugs that exploit the pathological and physiological features of the kidney to overcome the limitations of traditional small-molecule drugs to achieve high AKI efficacy. First, we analyzed the pathological structural characteristics of AKI and the main pathological mechanism of AKI: hypoxia, harmful substance accumulation-induced RONS burst at the renal site despite the multifactorial initiation and heterogeneity of AKI. Subsequently, we introduced the strategies used to improve renal targeting and reviewed advances of nanodrugs for AKI: nano-RONS-sacrificial agents, antioxidant nanozymes, and nanocarriers for antioxidants and anti-inflammatory drugs. These nanodrugs have demonstrated excellent therapeutic effects, such as greatly reducing oxidative stress damage, restoring renal function, and low side effects. Finally, we discussed the challenges and future directions for translating nanodrugs into clinical AKI treatment.

Selenium Nanodots (SENDs) as Antioxidants and Antioxidant-Prodrugs to Rescue Islet ß Cells in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Restoring Mitophagy and Alleviating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress.

Preventing islet ß-cells death is crucial for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Currently, clinical drugs are being developed to improve the quality of T2DM care and self-care, but drugs focused on reducing islets ß-cell death are lacking. Given that ß-cell death in T2DM is dominated ultimately by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), eliminating excessive ROS in ß-cells is a highly promising therapeutic strategy. Nevertheless, no antioxidants have been approved for T2DM therapy because most of them cannot meet the long-term and stable elimination of ROS in ß-cells without eliciting toxic side-effects. Here, it is proposed to restore the endogenous antioxidant capacity of ß-cells to efficiently prevent ß-cell death using selenium nanodots (SENDs), a prodrug of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1). SENDs not only scavenge ROS effectively, but also "send" selenium precisely to ß-cells with ROS response to greatly enhance the antioxidant capacity of ß-cells by increasing GPX1 expression. Therefore, SENDs greatly rescue ß-cells by restoring mitophagy and alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), and demonstrate much stronger efficacy than the first-line drug metformin for T2DM treatment. Overall, this strategy highlights the great clinical application prospects of SENDs, offering a paradigm for an antioxidant enzyme prodrug for T2DM treatment.

A NIR-II Photoactivatable "ROS Bomb" with High-Density Cu2 O-Supported MoS2 Nanoflowers for Anticancer Therapy.

The fast conversion of hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) into reactive oxygen species (ROS) at tumor sites is a promising anticancer strategy by manipulating nanomedicines with near-infrared light in the second region (NIR-II). However, this strategy is greatly compromised by the powerful antioxidant capacity of tumors and the limited ROS generation rate of nanomedicines. This dilemma mainly stems from the lack of an effective synthesis method to support high-density copper-based nanocatalysts on the surface of photothermal nanomaterials. Herein, a multifunctional nanoplatform (MCPQZ) with high-density cuprous (Cu2 O) supported molybdenum disulfide (MoS2 ) nanoflowers (MC NFs) is developed for the efficient killing of tumors via a potent ROS storm by an innovative method. Under NIR-II light irradiation, the ROS intensity and maximum reaction velocity (Vmax ) produced by MC NFs are 21.6 and 33.8 times that of the non-irradiation group in vitro, which is much higher than most current nanomedicines. Moreover, the strong ROS storm in cancer cells is efficiently formed by MCPQZ (increased by 27.8 times compared to the control), thanks to the fact that MCPQZ effectively pre-weakens the multiple antioxidant systems of cancer cells. This work provides a novel insight to solve the bottleneck of ROS-based cancer therapy.

Efficient Therapy of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) with Highly Specific and Durable Targeted Ta2 C Modified with Chondroitin Sulfate (TACS).

Non-invasive localization of lesions and specific targeted therapy are still the main challenges for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ta, as a medical metal element, has been widely used in the treatment of different diseases because of its excellent physicochemical properties but is still far from being explored in IBD. Here, Ta2 C modified with chondroitin sulfate (CS) (TACS) is evaluated as a highly targeted therapy nanomedicine for IBD. Specifically, TACS is modified with dual targeting CS functions due to IBD lesion-specific positive charges and high expression of CD44 receptors. Thanks to the acid stability, sensitive CT imaging function, and strong reactive oxygen species (ROS) elimination ability, oral TACS can accurately locate and delineate IBD lesions through non-invasive CT imaging, and specifically targeted treat IBD effectively because high levels of ROS are a central factor in the progression of IBD. As expected, TACS has much better imaging and therapeutic effects than clinical CT contrast agent and first-line drug 5-aminosalicylic acid, respectively. The mechanism of TACS treatment mainly involves protection of mitochondria, elimination of oxidative stress, inhibiting macrophage M1 polarization, protection of intestinal barrier, and restoration of intestinal flora balance. Collectively, this work provides unprecedented opportunities for oral nanomedicines to targeted therapy of IBD.

Dysregulation of the ß3 integrin-VEGFR2 complex in Hantaan virus-directed hyperpermeability upon treatment with VEGF.

Hantaviruses infect human endothelial cells (ECs) and are known to cause vascular-permeability-based diseases, including hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). The αvß3 integrins, which are highly expressed on the surface of ECs, serve as hantavirus receptors. Specifically, the ß3 integrin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 2 (VEGFR2) form a functional complex and interact with each other. Signaling through this complex causes cytoskeletal reorganization, which is one of the most important mechanisms underlying hyperpermeability. In this study, we show that VEGF dramatically enhances Hantaan virus (HTNV)-directed permeability and increases the reorganization of the cytoskeleton and the disruption of junctional organizations in an EC monolayer at 3 days postinfection. HTNV infection reduced the effect of VEGF on adhesion, migration, and the upregulation of ß3 expression, but the infection alone upregulated the expression of ß3 and VEGFR2. These results indicate that in addition to its role in blocking ß3 integrin activation as reported previously, HTNV blocks the function of the complex of VEGFR2 and ß3 integrin, and the dysfunction of the complex may contribute to cytoskeletal reorganization in an HTNV-directed hyperpermeability response to VEGF.

[Effects of Wenyang Shengjing Decoction containing serum on the estradiol secretion of Leydig cells of sterile rats of shen-yang deficiency].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of Wenyang Shengjing Decoction (WSD) containing serum on the estradiol (E2) secretion, the synthesized cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom) activities, as well as the expression of its encode gene CYP19 in Leydig cells of male sterile rats of adenine induced Shen-yang deficiency (SYD). METHODS: Experimental rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, i.e., the normal control group, the high, middle, and low dose WSD groups, 5 in each group. The normal saline, low, middle, and high dose WSD were respectively given to rats of all groups for 10 successive days. Blood was drawn from rats' heart 2 h after the last gastrogavage. The serum was separated after centrifuge. Leydig cells isolated and purified from SYD rats were primary cultured in vitro and divided into 5 groups in random, i. e., the blank control group, the model group, the high, middle, and low dose WSD groups (1.2, 1.0, and 0.8 g/mL, respectively). The content of E2 released in the culture supernate was determined by radioimmunoassay. The P450arom activity was detected by tritium release assay. Meanwhile, the mRNA and protein expressions of CYP19 were analyzed using fluorescent quantitative PCR and Western blot respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the blank control group, the E2 secretion of the supernate of Leydig cells obviously decreased in the model groups, accompanied with the inhibition of P450arom activities, significant decreased protein and mRNA expressions of CYP19 (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, after intervened by WSD containing serum, the E2 secretion in the Leydig cells could be significantly increased, the P450arom activities up-regulated, the CYP19 expressions up-regulated at the protein and mRNA levels partially in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: WSD containing serum could effectively elevate the E2 secretion in Leydig cells, which might be partially achieved through up-regulating P450arom activities and enhancing the gene expression of CyP19. This might be one of its mechanisms of action for treating male infertility of SYD.

Reactive oxygen species-based nanomaterials for the treatment of myocardial ischemia reperfusion injuries.

Interventional coronary reperfusion strategies are widely adopted to treat acute myocardial infarction, but morbidity and mortality of acute myocardial infarction are still high. Reperfusion injuries are inevitable due to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis of cardiac muscle cells. However, many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drugs are largely limited by pharmacokinetics and route of administration, such as short half-life, low stability, low bioavailability, and side effects for treatment myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury. Therefore, it is necessary to develop effective drugs and technologies to address this issue. Fortunately, nanotherapies have demonstrated great opportunities for treating myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury. Compared with traditional drugs, nanodrugs can effectively increase the therapeutic effect and reduces side effects by improving pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties due to nanodrugs' size, shape, and material characteristics. In this review, the biology of ROS and molecular mechanisms of myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury are discussed. Furthermore, we summarized the applications of ROS-based nanoparticles, highlighting the latest achievements of nanotechnology researches for the treatment of myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury.

State-of-the-art advancements in Liver-on-a-chip (LOC): Integrated biosensors for LOC.

Liver models are vital for the liver diseases and drug research as many novel drugs. However, traditional liver models cannot meet this need, mainly because they cannot replicate the complex physiological structure and microenvironment of the liver, especially the O2 and nutrient gradients. Liver-on-a-chip (LOC), based on microfluidic technology, can not only closely simulate the physiological structure and microenvironment of the liver through the design of suitable microchannels, but can also incorporate advanced biosensors with high sensitivity and potential for rapid responses to microenvironmental signals and liver function indicators. Nevertheless, LOCs have not been widely exploited for liver disease research or the screening of drugs for hepatotoxicity because of considerable professional barriers. In this review, we comprehensively summarize recent progress in LOC development and the embedding of biosensors into LOCs. We first introduce the physiological characteristics and microenvironment of the liver and then summarize the fabrication process and advantages of LOCs. We subsequently focus on recent advances relating to three-dimensional (3D) hepatocyte organization and the simulation of hepatic sinusoids and lobules in LOCs and further systematically summarize the research progress in biosensor-integrated LOCs. Finally, we discuss the potential value of LOCs and the challenges facing their exploitation. In conclusion, this review provides insights into the design and development of biosensor-integrated LOCs aiming to promote further research into this promising platform.

Nanodrugs Manipulating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress for Highly Effective Antitumor Therapy.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide due to high morbidity and mortality. Many attempts and efforts have been devoted to fighting cancer. Owing to the significant role of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in cell function, inducing ER stress can be promising for cancer treatment. However, the sustained activation of cytoprotective unfolded protein response (UPR) presents a tremendous obstacle for drugs in inducing unsolved ER stress in tumor cells, especially small-molecule drugs with poor bioavailability. Therefore, many emerging nanodrugs inducing and amplifying ER stress have been developed for efficient cancer treatment. More importantly, the novel discovery of ER stress in immunogenic cell death (ICD) makes it possible to repurpose antitumor drugs for immunotherapy through nanodrug-based strategies amplifying ER stress. Therefore, this mini-review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the latest developments of the strategies underlying nanodrugs in the treatment of cancer via manipulating ER stress. Meanwhile, the prospects of ER stress-inducing nanodrugs for cancer treatment are systematically discussed, which provide a sound platform for novel therapeutic insights and inspiration for the design of nanodrugs in treating cancer.

Nucleus-Targeting Phototherapy Nanodrugs for High-Effective Anti-Cancer Treatment.

DNA is always one of the most important targets for cancer therapy due to its leading role in the proliferation of cancer cells. Phototherapy kills cancer cells by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and local hyperthermia under light. It has attracted extensive interest in the clinical treatment of tumors because of many advantages such as non-invasiveness, high patient compliance, and low toxicity and side effects. However, the short ROS diffusion distance and limited thermal diffusion rate make it difficult for phototherapy to damage DNA deep in the nucleus. Therefore, nucleus-targeting phototherapy that can destroy DNAs via in-situ generation of ROS and high temperature can be a very effective strategy to address this bottleneck. Recently, some emerging nucleus-targeting phototherapy nanodrugs have demonstrated extremely effective anticancer effects. However, reviews in the field are still rarely reported. Here, we comprehensively summarized recent advances in nucleus-targeting phototherapy in recent years. We classified nucleus-targeting phototherapy into three categories based on the characteristics of these nucleus-targeting strategies. The first category is the passive targeting strategy, which mainly targets the nucleus by adjusting the physicochemical characteristics of phototherapy nanomedicines. The second category is to mediate the phototherapy nanodrugs into the nucleus by modifying functional groups that actively target the nucleus. The third category is to assist nanodrugs enter into the nucleus in a light-controlled way. Finally, we provided our insights and prospects for nucleus-targeting phototherapy nanodrugs. This minireview provides unique insights and valuable clues in the design of phototherapy nanodrugs and other nucleus-targeting drugs.