Trends in adipokine-related studies in cardiovascular disease: A bibliometric analysis from 2002 to 2024

Adipokines are bioactive proteins secreted by adipose tissue and are increasingly recognised for their role in obesity, inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). As research on adipokines and CVD has expanded over the past two decades, bibliometric analysis provides an important approach for mapping publication trends, research hotspots, citation patterns, and international collaboration. This study aimed to analyse global research trends related to adipokines and cardiovascular disease from 2002 to 2024.

A bibliometric analysis was conducted using publications retrieved from the Scopus database. Publications were identified using predefined search terms related to adipokines and cardiovascular disease. Bibliometric indicators included publication trends, author keywords, citation patterns, country contributions, and international collaboration. The retrieved data were analysed using Biblioshiny and VOSviewer version 1.6.16 to visualise bibliometric networks and research patterns.

A total of 1,283 documents from 602 sources were included in the analysis. Annual publication output increased substantially from 2002 and peaked around 2013- 2014. Keyword analysis identified obesity, adiponectin, leptin, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction as dominant research themes associated with cardiovascular disease. Citation analysis demonstrated several highly influential publications related to adipokines and cardiometabolic disorders. The United States contributed the largest publication output, citation impact, and international collaboration within the field.

Research on adipokines and cardiovascular disease has expanded substantially over the past two decades, with major thematic emphasis on obesity, metabolic dysfunction, and inflammatory pathways. This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the intellectual structure and global research landscape in this field. The findings may help identify future research priorities related to adipokines as potential biomarkers, preventive targets, and therapeutic approaches in cardiovascular disease.