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Genetic research

Research Trends of Hepatic Stellate Cells in Hepatoma: A Bibliometric Analysis

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A comprehensive study conducted by researchers from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University has shed light on the global research landscape of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in hepatoma. The study analyzed 510 publications from 2009 to 2023, revealing significant growth in annual publications since 2018, with China, the United States, and Japan emerging as the primary research forces. The research identified core research themes, such as liver fibrosis, tumour microenvironment, and apoptosis, and highlighted the need for strengthening new international and interdisciplinary partnerships.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study retrieved 510 relevant publications from the Web of Science Core Collection to analyze the research trends of HSCs in hepatoma.
  • The results showed a significant increase in annual publications since 2018, with China, the United States, and Japan emerging as the primary research forces.
  • China led in publication volume, while the United States had the greatest research impact, according to citation analysis.
  • The study identified core research themes, such as liver fibrosis, tumour microenvironment, and apoptosis, as well as emerging hotspots like gene therapy and nanotechnology.
  • The collaboration network exhibited close-knit cooperation within existing teams but a need for strengthening new international and interdisciplinary partnerships.
  • The study concluded that a systematic mapping of the knowledge domain of HSC research in hepatoma offered data-driven insights for future research directions and international collaboration.
  • Xiuju Ye, the lead researcher, noted that the study aimed to delineate the global landscape, knowledge structure, and emerging trends of research on HSCs in hepatoma.

Statistics:

  • 510 publications were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection from 2009 to 2023.
  • The number of annual publications increased significantly since 2018.
  • China, the United States, and Japan emerged as the primary research forces.
  • China led in publication volume, with 237 publications.
  • The United States had the greatest research impact, with 143 citations.
  • The study identified 5 core research themes: liver fibrosis, tumour microenvironment, apoptosis, and two emerging hotspots: gene therapy and nanotechnology.

Sources:

  • Research Trends of Hepatic Stellate Cells in Hepatoma: A Bibliometric Analysis. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, 2025;29(19).
  • Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. Xiuju Ye, Health Management Center, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
  • NewsRx LLC. Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Reports Findings in Cancer Gene Therapy (Research Trends of Hepatic Stellate Cells in Hepatoma: A Bibliometric Analysis). Biotech Week. October 29, 2025; p 84.

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