Global Research Trends in Tendon Stem Cells from 1991 to 2020: A Bibliometric and Visualized Study

Abstract

Background. Tendinopathy is a disabling musculoskeletal disorder affecting the athletics and general populations. There have been increased studies using stem cells in treating tendon diseases. The aim of this bibliometric and visualized study is to comprehensively investigate the current status and global trends of research in tendon stem cells. Methods. Publications related to tendon stem cells from 1991 to 2020 were retrieved from Web of Science and then indexed using a bibliometric methodology. VOSviewer software was used to conduct the visualized study, including coauthorship, cocitation, and cooccurrence analysis and to analyze the publication trends of research in tendon stem cells. Results. In total, 2492 articles were included and the number of publications increased annually worldwide. The United States made the largest contribution to this field, with the most publications (938 papers, 37.64%), citation frequency (68,195 times), and the highest H -index (103). The most contributive institutions were University of Pittsburgh (96 papers), Zhejiang University (70 papers), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Chinese University of Hong Kong (both 64 papers). The Journal of Orthopaedic Research published the most relative articles. Studies could be classified into five clusters: “Animal study,” “Tissue engineering,” “Clinical study,” “Mechanism research,” and “Stem cells research”, which show a balanced development trend. Conclusion. Publications on tendon stem cells may reached a platform based on current global trends. According to the inherent changes of hotspots in each cluster and the possibilities of cross-research, the research in tendon stem cells may exist a balanced development trend.

Global research trends and hotspots on tendon-derived stem cell: a bibliometric visualization study

“…In addition to TDSCs, the cell sheet contains a substantial number of active substances secreted by TDSCs, including factors inducing tendonogenesis, osteogenesis, and chondrogenesis differentiation ( Mifune et al, 2012 ). Pauline Po Yee Lui et al ( Long et al, 2022 ) utilized rat TDSCs to culture a cell sheet in vitro , wrapping it around tendons for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. They observed improved morphology, imaging, biomechanics, and early tendon healing in the cell sheet group ( Lui et al, 2014 ).…”

“…However, most studies have focused on specific aspects of TDSCs research, resulting in a lack of comprehensive analysis of the literature in this area. A particular article claims to employ bibliometric methods to study TDSCs ( Long et al, 2022 ); However, its literature search content was inaccurate. Although the discovery of TDSCs dates back to 2003, the selected literature in that study included a substantial number of publications prior to 2003.…”

“…A thorough examination of its search methodology revealed that the chosen literature mainly concerned adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and BMSCs in the context of tendon injury research, with limited relevance to TDSCs. As a result, their research primarily reflects the involvement of stem cells in tendon injuries ( Long et al, 2022 ). Therefore, it is essential to utilize appropriate methods to investigate the global knowledge framework, research frontiers, and hotspots in the field of TDSCs research.…”

An overview of the material science and knowledge of nanomedicine, bioscaffolds, and tissue engineering for tendon restoration

“…Because of the hypocellular and hypovascular characteristics of the tissue of the tendon, the triphasic normal therapeutic reaction is somewhat sluggish, thereby necessitating surgical intervention ( Long et al, 2022 ). The three steps of the natural healing response are 1) inflammation, 2) propagation/restoration, and 3) remodeling ( Li et al, 2023 ).…”