Exploring the influence of growth factors in diabetic foot: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis

Diabetic foot, a common complication of diabetes, impairs wound healing, leading to ulcers and an increased risk of amputation. Growth factors play a critical role in the management of diabetic foot, influencing wound repair and tissue regeneration. This study employs bibliometric analysis to assess research on growth factors in diabetic foot and predict future research trends.

Scholarly articles published between January 1, 2008, and March 31, 2024, were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Analytical and visualization tools such as VOSviewer, CiteSpace, R software, PRISM, and Scimago were utilized for the study.

Over the past 17 years, the number of publications has steadily increased. Aristidis Veves is the most prominent author, with Harvard University being the leading institution. The most cited papers are "Recent Advances in the Development of Wound Dressings for Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment" and "Wound Healing and Its Impairment in the Diabetic Foot." Key research areas include cellular mechanisms, economic burden, and treatment targets. Current research hotspots focus on oxidative stress and diabetic wound healing, with future trends leaning toward personalized medicine and advanced technologies.

This bibliometric analysis highlights current trends in growth factor research for diabetic foot, emphasizing oxidative stress and personalized medicine as emerging areas. These findings provide valuable insights for future research and potential improvements in treatment strategies, with the goal of enhancing patient outcomes and reducing the burden of diabetic foot complications.