Emerging trends and hotspots in animal experimental research on lung transplantation from 2004 to 2023: a bibliometric analysis

Background: Lung transplantation is the only viable option for end-stage respiratory diseases, with the global prevalence of this procedure on the rise in recent years. However, it is still plagued by various complications, for which no satisfactory therapy has yet been identified. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these post-transplant complications may be beneficial to enhance patient outcomes. This study utilized bibliometric analysis to assess present publication trends and focal points in the field of animal experimental studies on lung transplantation, aiming to provide insights into potential areas for future research. Methods: Utilizing CiteSpace software, the Online Analysis Platform of Literature Metrology, R package bibliometrix and VOSviewer, an analysis of current publication trends and hotspots in the area of animal experimental research for lung transplantation was carried out for the period spanning from 2004 to 2023. The English articles were searched in the Science Citation Index-Expanded (SCI-E) of Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Results: A total of 995 articles on animal experimental research on lung transplantation over the past two decades were retrieved. Rats, mice and swine were the most commonly used animal models, with orthotopic lung transplantation, ischemia-reperfusion (IR), and ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) being the most frequently employed model of lung transplantation in animals. The leading contributed countries in this area were USA, Canada, Japan and China. Washington University and Shaf Keshavjee were acknowledged as the most influential institute and scholar, respectively. The top 10 main clusters identified through co-occurrence cluster analysis included, ex-vivo lung perfusion, EVLP, obliterative bronchiolitis, necroptosis, bronchiolitis obliterans, non-heart-beating donor, donation after circulatory death, xenotransplantation, hydrogen sulfide and alveolar macrophage. Current research focused on lung IR injury, lung transplant, hypoxia, and differentiation, as revealed by keyword burst detection. Conclusions: Over the past 20 years, global publications on animal experimental research for lung transplantation have grown rapidly. The current research hotspots focus on lung IR injury, hypoxia and differentiation during lung transplantation. Exploring the potential synergistic effects of EVLP and necroptosis inhibition in more depth could offer valuable information for improving lung transplant outcomes. Our analysis presents a detailed overview of the current state of animal experimental research in lung transplantation, evaluating current publication trends and focal points and providing significant insights for future research efforts.