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A Bibliometric Analysis of Publications on Macrophages in Peripheral Nerve Injury
Qingyi Huo1,2, Mingyang Li1, Yibo Zhao1
1Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China.
Abstract:
Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) disrupts nerve function, there has been increasing focus on the role of macrophages in PNI. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of research trends and key topics related to macrophages in the field of PNI. We conducted a search in the Web of Science Core Collection database for studies published between 2000 and 2023 using "macrophages" and "PNI" as keywords. Bibliometric analysis was performed using visualization tools, including VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and GraphPad Prism 8, and others. As of December 31, 2023, a total of 905 relevant publications were identified. In terms of author contributions, Japanese researchers Kiguchi Norikazu and Kishioka Shiroh shared the highest number of publications, each with 15 articles. In terms of journals, Experimental Neurology published the most articles, while the University of Würzburg in Germany emerged as the leading institution in this field, with the highest publication output. Among the 51 countries involved in this research, the United States ranked first, followed by China. The keyword 'exosomes' first appeared in 2021, making it the most recent keyword. Cluster analysis categorized the keywords into four main groups: the role of macrophages in Wallerian degeneration, the role of macrophages in pathological peripheral neuropathic pain, macrophage-derived products after PNI, and role of macrophages in PNI repair and strategies for modulating their function using biomaterials. Macrophages are increasingly crucial in PNI research, and future studies integrating novel approaches may yield innovative therapies for nerve repair.
Insights
Macrophages play a critical role in peripheral nerve injury (PNI) research, influencing nerve repair and pain. Emerging research highlights exosomes and novel therapeutic strategies involving macrophage modulation for PNI treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) significantly impacts nerve function.
- Macrophages are increasingly recognized for their complex roles in PNI.
- Understanding research trends in macrophage involvement in PNI is crucial for advancing therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a bibliometric analysis of research on macrophages in PNI.
- To identify key topics, trends, and influential contributors in this field.
- To map the evolution of research from 2000 to 2023.
Main Methods:
- Bibliometric analysis of 905 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection (2000-2023).
- Utilized visualization tools like VOSviewer and CiteSpace.
- Keyword co-occurrence and cluster analysis to identify research themes.
Main Results:
- The United States leads in publication output, with Japanese researchers and the University of Würzburg as significant contributors.
- Experimental Neurology is the leading journal.
- Key research clusters include macrophage roles in Wallerian degeneration, neuropathic pain, PNI repair, and modulation strategies.
- Exosomes emerged as a recent keyword in 2021.
Conclusions:
- Macrophages are central to PNI research, impacting degeneration, pain, and repair.
- Future research integrating novel approaches, particularly concerning exosomes and biomaterial-based modulation, holds promise for innovative PNI therapies.
