Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2025, Vol. 29 ›› Issue (24): 5245-5253.doi: 10.12307/2025.720

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Involvement of macrophage polarization in osteoarticular diseases: a visual analysis based on SCI-Expanded information

Zou Shunyi1, Chai yuan1, 2, Li Kunjian1   

  1. 1Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530001, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China; 2Department of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530011, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
  • Received:2024-08-14 Accepted:2024-09-26 Online:2025-08-28 Published:2025-02-06
  • Contact: Cai Yuan, MS, Physician, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530001, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China;Department of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530011, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
  • About author:Zou Shunyi, Master’s candidate, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530001, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
  • Supported by:
    Guangxi University Young and Middle-aged Teachers Scientific Research Basic Ability Improvement Project, No. 2024KY0300 (to CY); Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Appropriate Technology Development and Promotion Project, No. GZSY2024036 (to CY [project participant]); Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine University-level College Student Innovation Training Program, No. X202410600062 (to CY [project participant]); Guangxi Autonomous Region College Student Innovation Training Program, Nos. S202410600084 and 202410600022 (to CY [project participant])

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In recent years, with the deepening of macrophage research, researchers have found that the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory functions of macrophage polarization play a crucial role in the occurrence and progression of osteoarticular diseases.
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the current status, hotspots, and development trends of macrophage polarization in osteoarticular diseases in order to provide reference for the subsequent scientific research work.
METHODS: Using TS = (“polarization of macrophages or macrophage polarization or macrophages polarization”) AND TS=(“arthritis or osteoarthritis or osteoporosis or degeneration intervertebral disc or necrosis of femoral head or rheumatoid arthritis”) as the search formula, relevant literature addressing macrophage polarization in osteoarticular diseases were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection SCI-Expanded from January 01, 2014 to June 01, 2024. Citespace 6.3.R1 software was used for visual analysis of the publishing countries/regions, institutions, authors, journals, citation reference, and keywords, and then knowledge maps were drawn.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) A total of 420 papers were included after analysis and retrieval. The overall trend of publication volume is rising. The country with the highest volume and degree centrality is China. The institution with the most publications is Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The author with the most publications is Cai Daozhang. The journal with the most publications is International Immunopharmacology. (2) By integrating the frequency and centrality of keywords and excluding keywords directly related to the topic, it is known that the core keywords in this field are apoptosis, cartilage, differentiation, gene expression, and cytokines. (3) In the co-citation analysis of papers, among the top 10 cited documents, 7 papers discuss the pathogenesis or therapeutic potential of macrophages in diseases, 2 papers focus on the development of drugs or materials targeting macrophage polarization, and 1 paper reviews the current status of arthritis research. (4) Combining the co-citation analysis of papers and keywords, the current research hotspots focus on synergistic effect, the occurrence and regulatory mechanisms of polarization, the mechanism of transcriptomics, and the impact on related diseases and targeted tissues. As well, developing biomaterials with the function of regulating macrophage polarization and regulating the phenotype of macrophage polarization through drug targeting delivery systems may become the future research trends.

Key words: macrophage polarization, bibliometrics, visual analysis, Citespace, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarticular disease, big data analysis 

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