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Bibliometric and visual analysis of microglia-related neuropathic pain from 2000 to 2021
Shun-Bai Zhang1,2, Guang-Hai Zhao1,2, Tian-Run Lv1,2
1Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.
Background:
Microglia has gradually gained researchers' attention in the past few decades and has shown its promising prospect in treating neuropathic pain. Our study was performed to comprehensively evaluate microglia-related neuropathic pain via a bibliometric approach.
Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed publications focusing on microglia-related neuropathic pain from 2000 to 2021 in WoSCC. VOS viewer software and CiteSpace software were used for statistical analyses.
Results:
A total of 2,609 articles were finally included. A steady increase in the number of relevant publications was observed in the past two decades. China is the most productive country, while the United States shares the most-cited and highest H-index country. The University of London, Kyushu University, and the University of California are the top 3 institutions with the highest number of publications. Molecular pain and Pain are the most productive and co-cited journals, respectively. Inoue K (Kyushu University) is the most-contributed researcher and Ji RR (Duke University) ranks 1st in both average citations per article and H-index. Keywords analyses revealed that pro-inflammatory cytokines shared the highest burst strength. Sex differences, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress are the emerging keywords in recent years.
Conclusion:
In the field of microglia-related neuropathic pain, China is the largest producer and the United States is the most influential country. The signaling communication between microglia and neurons has continued to be vital in this field. Sexual dimorphism, neuroinflammation, and stem-cell therapies might be emerging trends that should be closely monitored.
Insights
This bibliometric analysis reveals a growing research interest in microglia for neuropathic pain treatment. China leads in publications, while the US leads in influence, with neuroinflammation and sex differences as emerging research areas.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Pain Research
Background:
- Microglia research has surged due to its therapeutic potential for neuropathic pain.
- Understanding microglia's role is crucial for developing novel pain treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research on microglia and neuropathic pain.
- To identify trends, key contributors, and emerging themes in this field.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 2,609 publications from 2000-2021 in the Web of Science Core Collection.
- Bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer and CiteSpace software.
Main Results:
- A consistent increase in publications over two decades.
- China is the most productive country; the United States is most influential (citations, H-index).
- Key research institutions include University of London, Kyushu University, and University of California. Keywords include pro-inflammatory cytokines, sex differences, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress.
Conclusions:
- China and the US are leading contributors and influencers in microglia-related neuropathic pain research.
- Microglia-neuron signaling remains central; emerging trends include sexual dimorphism, neuroinflammation, and stem cell therapies.
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