Research Hotspots and Frontier Trends of Autophagy in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy From 2014 to 2024: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

Objective: In recent years, the investigation of autophagy mechanisms has gained prominence as a key focus for understanding the pathogenesis and therapeutic potential of diabetic cardiomyopathy. This study aims to present an overview of the current state, major research areas, and emerging trends in autophagy related to diabetic cardiomyopathy through bibliometric analysis, offering a scientific foundation for future research.

Methods: The Web of Science Core Collection served as the data source for this study, from which full-text publications were extracted. Using CiteSpace 6.3.R1, VOSviewer v1.6.18, and R-Bibliometrix, the analysis evaluated research output across dimensions such as subjects, countries, institutions, journals, authors, and co-cited references, generating a comprehensive visual map.

Results: A total of 367 publications met the inclusion criteria. Between 2014 and 2024, the volume of articles demonstrated a consistent upward trajectory. Research on autophagy in diabetic cardiomyopathy predominantly spans the disciplines of biology and medicine. China and the Fourth Military Medical University emerged as leading contributors among 41 countries and 505 institutions. Sun Dongdong was identified as the most prolific author, while Jia GH was the most frequently cited. Key journals in this field include Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Molecular Basis of Disease and Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, while Circulation Research recorded the highest number of co-citations. The most cited reference was an experimental study by Xie ZL. Current research focuses on autophagy, diabetic cardiomyopathy, oxidative stress, and their underlying mechanisms.

Conclusion: Research on the role of autophagy in diabetic cardiomyopathy has reached a stable phase of development. Future investigations should prioritize mechanistic studies and emphasize the clinical application of novel pharmacological interventions, thereby advancing therapeutic strategies and contributing to improved human health outcomes.

Keywords: autophagy; bibliometric analysis; diabetic cardiomyopathy; mechanism.

Figure 1

Flowchart of the literature search process.

Figure 2

(A) Trends in annual publications for studies of autophagy in DCM. (B) Tree map of the top 10 subject categories.

Figure 3

(A) Map of countries (or regions) cooperation networks. (B) Map of organizations’ cooperation networks. (C) Country collaboration map. (D) Corresponding author’s countries.

Figure 4

(A) Density map of journal publications. (B) Density map of journal co-citation analysis. (C) Sources’ production over time. (D) Dual map of journals (The color track indicates the citation connections, with the cited journals positioned on the left and the citing journals on the right).

Figure 5

(A) Authors’ co-citation visualization map. (B) Authors’ cooperation network. (C) Authors’ timeline map. (D) Sankey diagram (authors-keywords-countries).

Figure 6

(A) Literature co-citation network. (B) Top 10 co-citated literature.

Figure 7

(A) Word cloud of keywords from the included studies. (B) Keywords clustering network diagram. (C) Timeline cluster graph of keywords.

Figure 8

Top 25 keywords with the strongest citation bursts. Red lines indicate that the years when the keyword was used frequently. Green lines indicate the years when the keyword was not used frequently during 2014–2024.