Research on Sepsis and Metabolic Reprogramming from 1998 to 2025: A Bibliometric and Visualized Analysis

BACKGROUND: Metabolic reprogramming has emerged as a central mechanism in sepsis pathogenesis, influencing immune responses, organ dysfunction, and therapeutic outcomes. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to map the research landscape, identify key trends, and highlight future directions in this field. METHODS: Based on the Science Citation Index Expanded database in Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) database, we retrieved and analyzed 672 English-language original research articles and reviews. Using R-bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace we performed a multidimensional analysis of academic output trends, geographical distribution, institutional and author collaboration networks, burst detection and the evolution of research hotspots. RESULTS: The analysis reveals a consistent upward trend in both publication output and citation frequency within this research domain. The United States (24.3% of total publications) and China (23.4%) have emerged as the most productive contributing nations. Notably, the United States maintains superior academic influence as evidenced by its highest citation frequency. Among institutions, Wake Forest University in the United States holds a preeminent position, having published 54 high-impact articles in this field. The journals Frontiers in Immunology, Shock, and Critical Care, represent the premier academic platforms in this research domain. Immunometabolism, mitochondrial regulation, gut microbiota imbalance, epigenetic modifications, along with the mTOR/AMPK/HIF-1α axis and the Sirtuin family pathway has been identified as the key research hotspots. Novel therapeutic approaches targeting metabolic regulation are rapidly emerging, including pharmacological agents, natural compounds, stem cell-based therapies, and non-coding RNA interventions. CONCLUSION: Research on metabolic reprogramming in sepsis shows promising prospects, with investigations into key mechanisms focusing on current research hotspots and the development of metabolism-targeted interventions emerging as critical priorities for future sepsis prevention and treatment strategies.