Trends in Mendelian randomization in neurological disease research: a bibliometric analysis

Bibliometric analysis (BA) was used in this study to examine the current state and trends of Mendelian randomization (MR) in neurological disease research. The Web of Science database was searched between 1 January 2014 and 1 September 2024 to retrieve relevant literature. The volume of publications, research themes, collaborative networks, and geographical distribution were studied quantitatively. A keyword co-occurrence analysis identified prominent research hotspots, including stroke, cardiovascular disease, and genome-wide association studies. Furthermore, highly cited literature underscored the potential of MR to elucidate causal relationships between genetic variants and health outcomes. International collaborative networks indicate that China, the United Kingdom, and the United States are the most engaged in collaborative efforts within this domain. The findings suggest that MR methods hold significant potential for applications in the investigation of neurological disorders, highlighting the necessity of international collaboration to foster scientific advancement. Future research should prioritize enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration and conducting comprehensive explorations of disease mechanisms to aid in prevention and treatment.