Neutrophil extracellular traps in cardiovascular disease: a bibliometric analysis (2005-2024)

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has consistently posed a significant challenge in the medical field. Currently, they remain a leading cause of premature mortality. In recent years, the growing recognition of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) has revealed their significant involvement in the pathogenesis of CVD. Athorough search was carried out within the Web of Science Core Collection database for articles and reviews pertaining to CVD and NETs, including those published between January 2005 and December 2024. The collected literature was then subjected to bibliometric and visual analyses, utilizing the Citespace and VOSviewer software applications. A total of 1,014 relevant publications were identified, accompanied by a cumulative citation count of 48,955 across all included studies. The United States and China lead with the most extensive research output in this field, with the highest number of publications appearing in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Literature and keyword analysis indicate a burgeoning research interest in the interplay between NETs and various diseases, including atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and deep vein thrombosis, as well as in thrombotic mechanisms involving platelets, tissue factor, coagulation cascades, and endothelial injury. This paper delineates the research hotspots and cutting-edge frontiers concerning the pivotal role of NETs in the pathogenesis of CVD, as well as the application of therapeutic strategies targeting NETs in CVD. It provides novel insights into the functions of NETs within the context of cardiovascular disorders.