Sarcopenia in liver transplantation: A comprehensive bibliometric study of current research trends and future...

The long-term survival and quality of life of liver transplantation (LT) recipients has emerged as a critical focus, where managing sarcopenia (a syndrome of diminished muscle mass and strength) and perioperative nutrition is paramount. This study aimed to delineate the knowledge landscape and identify key research trends and potential molecular mechanisms linking LT and sarcopenia through bibliometric and bioinformatics analyses. This study employs bibliometric and bioinformatics analyses to evaluate research trends and molecular mechanisms linking LT and sarcopenia. Data were retrieved from Web of Science database, and tools such as CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and R were used for data analysis and visualization. A total of 448 studies published over the past two decades were analyzed. Our bibliometric analysis revealed geographical distribution patterns, authorship networks, journal contributions, and thematic trends related to both LT and sarcopenia. Bioinformatics analysis identified 78 biphenotypic target genes shared by LT and sarcopenia, with hub genes including IL1B, ADIPOQ, and TNF showing strong associations. Enrichment analyses further highlighted significant biological processes, such as "response to peptide hormone" and "regulation of glucose transmembrane transport," suggesting potential molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between LT and sarcopenia. This study highlights the importance of incorporating routine sarcopenia assessments into the clinical management of LT candidates to optimize treatment strategies. Future research should focus on elucidating the molecular pathways connecting these conditions and developing targeted interventions to improve LT patients' outcomes and quality of life.