Global research trends in enteric nervous system and gut microbiota: a bibliometric analysis (2005-2025)

The crosstalk between the enteric nervous system (ENS) and gut microbiota, along with their roles in disease, has garnered increasing scientific attention. However, a comprehensive and objective analysis of the field's current status and evolutionary trajectory remains lacking.

We retrieved and screened relevant publications from the Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus database. Bibliometric and visual analysis were performed using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, R-studio, Origin and Excel 365.

A total of 759 relevant articles and reviews published from 2005 to 2025 were included. The annual publication volume exhibited a discernible three-phase growth trajectory, culminating in a peak output in recent years. Collaboration network analysis revealed the United States as the most influential country. Leading institutions, based on publication output and centrality metrics, included University College Cork (Ireland), McMaster University (Canada), the University of Melbourne (Australia) and Baylor College of Medicine (the US). Key journals publishing in this field included the International Journal of Molecular Sciences and Neurogastroenterology and Motility. Author cooperation analysis highlighted John F. Cryan (Ireland) as the most influential scholar, with his seminal review "The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis" being the highly cited reference. Furthermore, keywords and co-cited reference analysis revealed that current research primarily centers on specific disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. The pivotal role of neuroinflammation and neuro-immune interactions was consistently identified as a core pathological mechanism. Importantly, modulation of the gut microbiota via probiotics and microbial metabolites like short-chain fatty acids emerged as predominant potential therapeutic targets.

Research on the gut microbiota and the ENS elucidates the mechanisms and potential therapeutic directions for a spectrum of disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Fostering international collaboration and interdisciplinary exchange is crucial to accelerate the translation of high-quality research into clinical applications.