Mesenchymal stem cell therapy in atherosclerosis: A bibliometric and visual analysis

BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are capable of self-renewal and differentiation, and extensive studies have demonstrated their therapeutic potential in atherosclerosis (AS). AIM To conduct a bibliometric analysis of studies on the use of MSC therapy for AS over the past two decades, assess key trends and provide insights for future research directions. METHODS We systematically searched the Web of Science Core Collection database for articles published between 1999 and 2023, yielding a total of 556 articles. Visual representation and bibliometric analysis of information and trends were facilitated using CiteSpace, the R package ‘bibliometrix’ and VOSviewer. RESULTS The analyzed articles were predominantly from 52 countries/regions, with prominent contributions from China and the United States. A cohort of 3057 authors contributed to these publications, with the works of Libby P distinguished by their influence and citation count. Int J Mol Sci has emerged as the journal with the highest publication volume, prominently disseminating influential papers and identifying citation outbreaks. Furthermore, our analysis identified current research hotspots within the field, focusing on vascular progenitor cells, inflammatory mechanisms, and extracellular vesicles. Emerging research frontiers, such as extracellular vesicles and oxidative stress, have been highlighted as areas of burgeoning interest. Finally, we offer perspectives on the status of research and future directions of MSC therapy in AS. CONCLUSION This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights for advancing scientific research on MSC therapy for AS. By elucidating pivotal trends and research directions, this study aimed to foster innovation and promote the progress of disciplines in this field, thereby contributing to advancing scientific knowledge and clinical practice.