Global research trends of MicroRNAs in rheumatoid arthritis: bibliometrics and visualization analysis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder, and a growing body of research has demonstrated the involvement and regulatory roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathogenesis of RA. Consequently, this study aims to evaluate the current status and emerging trends in miRNA research related to RA by employing bibliometric analyses from a comprehensive perspective.

Relevant literature pertaining to miRNA-related RA was systematically searched and screened from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) database, covering the period from January 1, 2010 to June 30, 2024. Subsequently, the data were subjected to visual analysis using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, the R package, and Bibliometric. This comprehensive approach aimed to elucidate the global state of research, as well as to identify prevailing trends and emerging hotspots within the field.

A comprehensive analysis included 843 publications authored by 4451 researchers from 1096 institutions across 47 countries/regions, with relevant articles disseminated through 297 journals. China emerged as the leading contributor in terms of research output. Specifically, China Medical University and the researcher Chih-Hsin Tang were identified as the most influential institution and author, respectively. "Frontiers in Immunology" was recognized as the most prolific journal, whereas "Arthritis Research & Therapy" garnered the highest number of citations. Notably, Stanczyk's 2008 study published in "Arthritis & Rheumatism" received the highest citation count. Additionally, related research areas such as circular RNAs (circRNAs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) have become new hotspots in the field.

MiRNAs have garnered significant interest among researchers studying RA, as they show considerable potential for improving RA diagnosis and treatment. As research in this area advances, it is anticipated that scholars will allocate more resources to investigating circRNAs and EVs associated with miRNAs. This focus is expected to provide valuable insights for identifying novel therapeutic targets and drug delivery vectors for RA.