Interleukins and large domestic animals, a bibliometric analysis

Area of Science:

• Comparative immunology
• Veterinary immunology
• Molecular biology

Background:

• Interleukins are well-characterized in humans and mice, but less so in large domestic animals.
• Identifying and comparing interleukin functions across species is essential for advancing veterinary immunology.
• Existing research on large animal interleukins is fragmented, necessitating a comprehensive overview.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a bibliometric analysis of interleukins in major large domestic animal species.
• To identify knowledge gaps and areas requiring further research in large animal interleukin studies.
• To rank identified interleukins based on bibliometric indicators.

Main Methods:

• Bibliometric analysis of scientific literature on interleukins in bovine, caprine, equine, ovine, and porcine species.
• Utilized various bibliometric indicators including H index, M quotient, A index, G index, GH ratio, and HG index.
• Identified and ranked 39 interleukins based on the collected data.

Main Results:

• Bibliometric indicators were higher for IL1, IL2, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL8, IL10, IL12, and IL18, particularly in bovine and porcine species.
• Recently discovered interleukins showed low index values, indicating limited research.
• Some established interleukins also exhibited low values, highlighting the need for more in-depth studies and comparative analyses.

Conclusions:

• This is the first bibliometric analysis focused on large domestic animal interleukins.
• Significant gaps exist in understanding the structure and function of interleukins across different large mammal species.
• Further research is imperative to fully elucidate the role of interleukins in comparative immunology and animal health.