Oxidative stress and osteoporosis: a bibliometric analysis of literature from SCI core database

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress, representing an imbalance between oxidative and antioxidant systems in the body, plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. However, a systematic analysis of the current research status and trends in the field of oxidative stress and osteoporosis is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the current research status, hot topics, and trends in the field of oxidative stress and osteoporosis using bibliometric methods. METHODS: The Web of Science core database was searched using “oxidative stress” and “osteoporosis” as search terms, with the language limited to “English” and the document type limited to “article” and “review article.” The search period was from January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2024. After screening the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, CiteSpace (6.3.R1) and VOSviewer (1.6.20) software were used for data analysis and visualization of publication volume, country, institution, author, journal, and keywords. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Publication volume analysis: A total of 2 558 articles were retrieved, with 2 416 articles included. From 1999 to 2024, the number of publications in the field of oxidative stress and osteoporosis showed a significant increasing trend, especially after 2011, reflecting the gradual deepening and rising popularity of research in this field. (2) Country analysis: China ranked first with 1 088 publications, but the average citations per article were relatively low. The United States ranked second with 353 publications, but the average citations per article were as high as 74.62, demonstrating international influence in research quality. (3) Institution analysis: Chinese institutions dominated in publication volume, but the level of international cooperation needs improvement. Among them, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Soochow University had extensive cooperation and high citation counts. (4) Author and co-cited author analysis: A few core authors such as Almeida and Manolagas had significant influence in this field, with extremely high citation counts and diverse collaboration models, dominated by international authors. (5) Journal analysis: American journals such as the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research occupied a core position in the field of osteoporosis and oxidative stress, with significant academic authority and influence. (6) Keyword analysis: The research core focused on the interaction mechanism between “osteoporosis” and “oxidative stress.” High-frequency keywords included “reactive oxygen species,” “inflammation,” “osteoblasts,” and “osteoclasts.” Keyword clustering analysis showed that research hotspots concentrated on inflammation, oxidative stress and bone metabolic imbalance, population and clinical studies, and the development and application of antioxidant therapy. (7) The field of oxidative stress and osteoporosis is growing rapidly. Although China occupies a dominant position, its international influence needs improvement. Future research should deeply analyze the oxidative stress signaling network, explore cross-disease interactions, develop novel antioxidants and therapeutic methods, promote precision medicine and multi-omics technology applications, and strengthen international cooperation and exchange, in order to provide more scientific and effective solutions for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

1. Introduction

Osteoporosis is a systemic metabolic bone disease characterized by decreased bone density and strength, leading to an increased risk of fragility fractures. Its onset is influenced by multiple factors including age, sex, genetics, and lifestyle. As a major global public health issue, the incidence of osteoporosis continues to rise worldwide. According to epidemiological studies by the International Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately one-third of women and one-fifth of men over the age of 50 are affected by osteoporosis. Often termed a “silent disease,” osteoporosis typically presents no obvious symptoms in its early stages, and fragility fractures are a common complication, with over 9 million fractures annually attributed to osteoporosis worldwide.

With the aging population and changes in lifestyle and dietary habits in China, the incidence of osteoporosis is also increasing year by year, placing a heavy burden on the national healthcare system. The pathogenesis of osteoporosis involves multiple aspects such as hormonal disorders, autophagy, ferroptosis, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. With deeper research, oxidative stress has been found to play a significant role in the development of osteoporosis. Oxidative stress is a pathological process caused by an imbalance between the production and scavenging of reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative and antioxidant system dysregulation, which in turn causes cellular or tissue damage. It primarily disrupts bone metabolic balance by activating osteoclast differentiation and inhibiting osteoblast activity, accelerating bone loss, and ultimately leading to the onset and progression of osteoporosis.