Mapping and visualization of global research progress on mitophagy in osteoarthritis: A bibliometric analysis (2008–2024)

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to provide a thorough overview of research hotspots in mitophagy in osteoarthritis through a bibliometric analysis approach. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on the Web of Science Core Collection on September 9, 2024. Key metrics were calculated using Microsoft Excel 2019, and bibliometric analysis and visualization were performed with VOSviewer 1.6.20, CiteSpace 6.3.R1, and R 4.3.3. RESULTS: The analysis covered 259 articles published between 2008 and 2024, involving 1679 authors from 924 institutions across 41 countries, indicating growing interest in mitophagy research related to osteoarthritis. Wenzhou Medical University emerged as the most prolific institution with 25 articles. The journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage was a leading venue, showing high citation metrics and an impact factor of 7.2. The most cited article was "Pesticides and human chronic diseases: Evidence, mechanisms, and perspectives" from Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology. The keyword "apoptosis" was the most frequently used, along with significant terms like "oxidative stress" and "mitochondrial dysfunction." Keyword burst analysis indicated intensified focus on "mammalian target of rapamycin" and "cell death." CONCLUSION: This bibliometric analysis highlights a growing interest in mitophagy in osteoarthritis research, emphasizing its potential as a therapeutic target and signaling future advancements in this field.