Key result
Microglia research in ischemic stroke shows exponential growth, with polarization emerging as a key frontier.
This bibliometric analysis highlights exponential growth in microglia research in ischemic stroke, identifying microglia polarization, NLRP3 inflammasome, and extracellular vesicles as emerging frontiers.
Background: Ischemic stroke (IS) represents a predominant cause of disability globally, characterized by significant neuroinflammatory responses facilitated by microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system. A comprehensive understanding the current research landscape in this field is essential for guiding future inquiries. However, a systematic, quantitative panorama analysis of this intersecting field is lacking. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by conducting a bibliometric analysis of publications retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database, elucidating historical developments, collaboration networks, and emerging frontiers. Objective: This study endeavors to perform a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of microglia research in IS, with the aim of elucidating historical developments, identifying current research frontiers, and proposing future directions through a quantitative assessment of publication trends, collaboration networks, and the evolution of conceptual frameworks. Methods: Utilizing controlled vocabulary terms for IS and microglia, we conducted a systematic search of the Web of Science Core Collection database. After applying exclusion criteria, our analysis included 5709 publications (4859 articles; 850 reviews). We employed Bibliometrix R, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace for advanced bibliometric analysis. Results: The annual publication count showed exponential growth, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.6% over the past 5 years (2020–2024), indicating robust research momentum. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses accounted for 14.9% of the total, highlighting the growing importance of integrative evidence. China (n = 1852) and the United States (n = 1723) leading in research contributions. Capital Medical University emerged as the most prolific institution (n = 217). Journal of Neuroinflammation was the primary publication venue (n = 142), while Stroke had the highest citation count (8742 citations). Moo-Ho Won was the most productive author (n = 68), and Iadecola C. was the most co-cited researcher (n = 1024). Keyword analysis identified “microglia polarization” (burst strength = 36.5), “NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome” (burst strength = 32.1), and “extracellular vesicles” (burst strength = 28.7) as emerging research frontiers. Conclusion: Our analysis outlines 3 key research trajectories, molecular mechanisms of microglia activation, particularly NLR family pyrin domain containing 3-mediated pathways; phenotypic modulation of microglia during stroke recovery; and novel roles in angiogenesis and immunomodulation. The emergence of “gut-microbiota-brain axis” and “mitochondrial transfer” as new research themes offers promising directions for investigation. These findings provide a strategic framework for prioritizing research on neuroinflammation and neurorepair after stroke.
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Ma et al. (2026) studied Ischemic stroke (n=5,709). Bibliometric analysis was evaluated on Publication trends, collaboration networks, and emerging frontiers. A bibliometric analysis of 5,709 publications from 1998 to 2024 identified exponential growth in microglia research in ischemic stroke, highlighting microglia polarization as an emerging frontier.