Nexus Between Sarcopenia and Microbiome Research: A Bibliometric Exploration

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Microbiology
• Nutrition Science
• Immunology
• Metabolic Research
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Sarcopenia and microbiome research has existed for over 30 years, but no quantitative analysis of their intersection has been performed.
• Understanding the relationship between the gut microbiome and skeletal muscle health is crucial for aging populations.
• Existing literature spans multiple disciplines, indicating a complex interplay between microbial communities and muscle function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a bibliometric analysis of the sarcopenia and microbiome literature.
• To examine the current research status, identify key scientific hotspots, and explore future trends in this interdisciplinary field.
• To visualize the scientific landscape, including publication output, citation frequency, international collaborations, and institutional contributions.

Main Methods:

• Bibliometric techniques were employed using the Science Citation Index Extended Database.
• Data analysis utilized the Bibliometrix package in R, Scimago Graphica, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace.
• Searches were conducted on February 27, 2023, analyzing 633 relevant publications out of 997 retrieved articles.

Main Results:

• A total of 633 publications were analyzed, showing a continuous increase in both publication numbers and citation frequency.
• The United States led in citation frequency, while China published the most articles. The University of Copenhagen was the most prolific institution.
• Emerging research hotspots include malnutrition, dietary fiber, signaling pathways, frailty, and intestinal permeability, highlighting the microbiome's impact on sarcopenia.

Conclusions:

• Research on the microbiome's impact on sarcopenia is in its early stages but is rapidly expanding across diverse scientific domains.
• Key areas of focus include the role of nutrition, gut barrier function, and inflammatory pathways in the context of sarcopenia.
• This bibliometric analysis provides a visual atlas of the field, guiding future research directions for understanding and potentially treating sarcopenia.