Global trends on exosomes in spinal cord injury: A bibliometric analysis and mini-review

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is recognised as a debilitating condition that often leads to considerable disability and functional limitations. Exosomes, which can be derived from various cell types including bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, adipose-derived stem cells, dental pulp stem cells, and macrophages, play a pivotal role in the post-SCI landscape. Collectively, it has been observed that these exosomes can modulate the immune response following SCI, regulate the inflammatory environment, inhibit secondary tissue damage, and support neuronal survival and axonal regrowth. However, it is noted that exosomes from different sources exhibit distinct characteristics. Therefore, it is deemed essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current knowledge and research directions regarding exosomes in SCI to foster the development of effective therapeutic interventions. In this bibliometric analysis, we conducted to search retrieve pertinent articles from the Web of Science Core Collection and identify pivotal publications, authors, institutions, countries, and keywords that have contributed significantly to the field. This bibliometric analysis offers a thorough examination of the present knowledge landscape and prevailing research trends pertaining to exosomes in the context of SCI. It acts as a valuable asset, catering not only to researchers but also to clinicians and policymakers engaged in research on SCI and therapeutic advancement. Ultimately, this knowledge mapping can advance our understanding of exosome biology and pave the way for innovative interventions to improve outcomes for individuals affected by SCI.