Bibliometric analysis of research on gut microbiota and bile acids: publication trends and research frontiers

TL;DR

This paper analyzes global research trends on gut microbiota and bile acids from 2003 to 2022, highlighting growth and key research areas.

Contribution

The study provides a bibliometric analysis revealing research hotspots and leading contributors in gut microbiota and bile acid research.

Findings

Research on gut microbiota and bile acids has shown a dramatic upward trend from 2003 to 2022.

The USA and China are leading in publications, with the University of Copenhagen being the most productive institution.

Key research areas include the gut–liver axis, SCFAs, CVD, CRC, and FXR.

Abstract

The gut microbiota is widely regarded as a “metabolic organ” that could generate myriad metabolites to regulate human metabolism. As the microbiota metabolites, bile acids (BAs) have recently been identified as the critical endocrine molecules that mediate the cross-talk between the host and intestinal microbiota. This study provided a comprehensive insight into the gut microbiota and BA research through bibliometric analysis from 2003 to 2022. The publications on this subject showed a dramatic upward trend. Although the USA and China have produced the most publications, the USA plays a dominant role in this expanding field. Specifically, the University of Copenhagen was the most productive institution. Key research hotspots are the gut–liver axis, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), cardiovascular disease (CVD), colorectal cancer (CRC), and the farnesoid x receptor (FXR). The molecular mechanisms and potential applications of the gut microbiota and BAs in cardiometabolic disorders and gastrointestinal cancers have significant potential for further research.

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