Global research on the crosstalk between intestinal microbiome and colorectal cancer: A visualization analysis

Shanshan Yang; Shaodong Hao; Hui Ye; Xuezhi Zhang

doi:10.3389/fcimb.2023.1083987

Global research on the crosstalk between intestinal microbiome and colorectal cancer: A visualization analysis

Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2023 Mar 15:13:1083987. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1083987. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Shanshan Yang^{1

2}, Shaodong Hao³, Hui Ye¹, Xuezhi Zhang¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.
² Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
³ Spleen-Stomach Department, Fangshan Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.

Abstract

Background: Increasing evidence has shown that the intestinal microbiome (IM) is highly linked to colorectal cancer (CRC). To investigate scientific output, identify highly cited papers, and explore research hotspots and trends in the field of IM/CRC, we conducted a bibliometric and visualized analysis.

Methods: A bibliographic search regarding IM/CRC research (2012-2021) was implemented on October 17, 2022. The terms attached to IM and CRC were searched for in the titles (TI), abstracts (AB), and author keywords (AK). The main information was extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Biblioshiny from R packages and VOSviewer were used for data visualization.

Results: A total of 1725 papers related to IM/CRC were retrieved. Publications on IM/CRC have grown rapidly from 2012 to 2021. China and the United States were in the leading position for publications in this field and made the most significant contributions to IM/CRC research. Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Harvard University were the most productive institutions. The high-yield authors were Yu Jun and Fang Jing Yuan. The International Journal of Molecular Sciences published the most papers, whereas Gut had the most citations. Historical citation analysis showed the evolution of IM/CRC research. Current status and hotspots were highlighted using keyword cluster analysis. The hot topics include the effect of IM on tumorigenesis, the effect of IM on CRC treatment, the role of IM in CRC screening, the mechanisms of IM involvement in CRC, and IM modulation for CRC management. Some topics, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, Fusobacterium nucleatum and short-chain fatty acids could be the focus of IM/CRC research in the coming years.

Conclusion: This research evaluated the global scientific output of IM/CRC research and its quantitative features, identified some significant papers, and gathered information on the status and trends of IM/CRC research, which may shape future paths for academics and practitioners.

Keywords: bibliometrics; colorectal cancer; high-cited papers; hotspots and trends; intestinal microbiome.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Bibliometrics
Cell Physiological Phenomena
China
Cross Reactions
Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
Humans
Neoplasms*

Grants and funding

This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.81803910, No.81973615), Capital’s Funds for Health Improvement and Research (No.2022-2-4077, No.2022-2-40711) the New Teacher Start-up Fund Project of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (2022-BUCMXJKY-023) and the Qi-Huang Scholar Chief Scientist Program of National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Leading Talents Support Program (2021).