Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Laser Capture Microdissection of Highly Pure Trabecular Meshwork from Mouse Eyes for Gene Expression Analysis
Published on: June 3, 2018
Global research landscape of C3 glomerulopathy: A bibliometric analysis
Insights
Global C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) research has shifted towards complement therapeutics, with a notable increase in publications after 2013. International collaboration needs strengthening to address geographical disparities in C3G research.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
- Bibliometrics
Background:
- C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is a rare, complement-mediated kidney disease presenting diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
- A comprehensive mapping of the global research landscape in C3G is lacking.
- Understanding research trends is crucial for advancing C3G diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a bibliometric analysis of C3G research from 1980 to 2025.
- To evaluate publication trends, key contributors, thematic evolution, and collaboration patterns.
- To identify shifts in C3G research focus from pathology to molecular and therapeutic approaches.
Main Methods:
- Systematic bibliometric analysis of PubMed-indexed publications (1980-2025).
- Inclusion of original research and reviews on C3G pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management.
- Analysis using Bibliometrix (R) and VOSviewer, with Google Scholar for citation verification.
Main Results:
- 967 publications identified across 273 journals, with exponential growth post-2013.
- Leading countries: USA, UK, Italy; emerging: China, India, Türkiye. Most prolific author: S. Sethi.
- Thematic shift from "dense deposit disease" to "complement inhibition," "iptacopan," and "pegcetacoplan."
Conclusions:
- C3G research has transitioned towards precision complement therapeutics.
- Significant geographical disparities in C3G research output persist.
- Enhanced international collaboration and equitable access to therapies are essential for C3G research advancement.
Aim:
C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is a rare, complement-mediated kidney disease with significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Despite a growing number of publications, no study has comprehensively mapped the global research landscape. This bibliometric analysis aimed to evaluate publication trends, influential contributors, thematic evolution, and collaboration networks in C3G research from 1980 to 2025.
Materials And Methods:
A systematic bibliometric analysis was conducted using PubMed-indexed publications from 1980 - 2025 retrieved with predefined Boolean queries. Eligible articles included original research and reviews addressing the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of C3G. Bibliometric parameters were analyzed using the Bibliometrix package in R (v4.3) and VOSviewer (v1.6.20). Citation data were verified via Google Scholar.
Results:
A total of 967 publications across 273 journals were identified. Research output increased exponentially after 2013, coinciding with the C3G Consensus Report and the rise of complement-targeted therapies. Pediatric Nephrology, Kidney International, and JASN were the leading publication venues. The United States, United Kingdom, and Italy were the most productive countries, with emerging contributions from China, India, and Türkiye. S. Sethi was the most prolific author (24 papers). Keyword co-occurrence and citation network analyses demonstrated a thematic shift from morphologic classification ("dense deposit disease") toward molecular and therapeutic paradigms ("complement inhibition," "iptacopan," "pegcetacoplan"). Collaboration networks remained modest and regionally clustered.
Conclusion:
Global research on C3G has evolved from descriptive pathology toward precision complement therapeutics. However, significant geographical disparities persist, emphasizing the need for stronger international collaboration and equitable access to emerging complement inhibitors.
