Efferocytosis and inflammation: a bibliometric and systematic analysis

Area of Science:

• * Immunology and Molecular Biology
• * Biomedical Research Trends
• * Bibliometrics and Scientific Mapping

Background:

• * Efferocytosis, the process of engulfing apoptotic cells, plays a critical role in maintaining tissue homeostasis.
• * Inflammation is a complex biological response implicated in numerous diseases.
• * Understanding the interplay between efferocytosis and inflammation is crucial for disease pathogenesis and therapeutic development.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To visualize and analyze global trends and research hotspots in efferocytosis and inflammation.
• * To identify key countries, institutions, and researchers contributing to this field.
• * To map core topics and emerging research directions using bibliometric methods.

Main Methods:

• * Bibliometric analysis of 1,003 publications from 2006 to 2023, retrieved from Web of Science Core Collection.
• * Data analysis and visualization using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, Scimago Graphica, Bibliometrix, and R Studio.
• * Keyword analysis to identify core topics and emerging trends.

Main Results:

• * A significant upward trend in research on efferocytosis and inflammation was observed.
• * The United States, China, and the United Kingdom are leading countries in publications.
• * Key research areas include "activation," "tam receptors," "docosahexaenoic acid," systemic lupus erythematosus, myocardial infarction, and alveolar macrophages, with emerging focus on "inflammation resolution" and "cancer."

Conclusions:

• * Research on efferocytosis and inflammation is a rapidly advancing field with significant implications for understanding disease.
• * Efferocytosis is vital for tissue homeostasis and the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases.
• * Future research will likely focus on chronic diseases, cancer, and the development of novel therapeutic strategies.