The research landscape of immunology research in spinal cord injury from 2012 to 2022

JOR Spine, 2023 · DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1261 · Published: July 1, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Immunology Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study systematically analyzes the research hotspots and dynamic scientific developments of immunology research in spinal cord injury (SCI) using bibliometric and knowledge map analysis. The research identifies trends in immunology research related to SCI, focusing on areas like regenerative medicine, extracellular vesicles, and glial activation. The findings aim to help researchers quickly grasp current hotspots and determine new directions for future research in immunology related to SCI.

Study Duration

10 Years

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Research in immunology for SCI has shifted toward “extracellular vesicles,” “regenerative medicine,” “stromal cells,” “motor recovery,” and “glial activation” as new directions for investigation.
2
The United States contributed the most papers, total citations, and the largest H-index, suggesting that it played a central role in this field.
3
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic tool due to their ability to differentiate into various cell types.

Research Summary

This study employs bibliometric analysis software, namely CiteSpace and VOSviewer, to scrutinize the global landscape of immunology research in the SCI field from 2012 to 2022. Our inquiry unraveled a steady yearly escalation in publications within this research domain, with a pronounced focus on regenerative medicine, mesenchymal stem cells, extracellular vesicles, neuroimmune cells, and motor function recovery. By discerning the interconnections and rudimentary scientific knowledge in immunology-linked SCI research, this study furnishes invaluable insights into research trends and frontiers.

Practical Implications

Future Research Directions

Focus on advanced tissue engineering strategies using MSCs, EVs, and neurogenesis.

Therapeutic Targets

Target microglia activation to reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair after SCI.

Clinical Management

Improve locomotor recovery and manage clinical symptoms such as neuropathic pain and autonomic dysreflexia.

Study Limitations

1
The entirety of the literary material was procured and amassed solely from WoSCC, a methodology that potentially overlooked relevant data obtainable from alternative databases.
2
All extracted research and review articles were written in English, which might result in bias, as non-English or nonresearch/review articles were not included.
3
We did not provide timeline maps and more specific topic analysis, which might result in follow-up prediction bias.

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