Knowledge mapping of MIRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma from 2012-2022:a bibliometric analysis

Abstract Background: This study aims to reveal the research hotspots, scientific preface, and future trends in this field by conducting a metrological analysis of the literature related to miRNA research in hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: Articles related to miRNA research in hepatocellular carcinoma in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) were searched. The annual distribution, countries, institutions, authors, journals, citations, and keywords of published articles from 2012-2022 were visualized and analyzed by CiteSpace and VOSviewer software. Results: A total of 7065 English-language articles published between 2012 and 2022 were collected, with the majority of publications coming from China (n=2419), followed by the United States and Egypt, with Sun Yat-sen University having the highest number of publications of all institutions (n=153). The top published and co-cited authors were Chen, Gang, and Bartel DP, respectively. articles were mainly published in Oncotarget (n=119). Initially, the hotspots were "hbv", "mir-21", "akt3" and "beta-catenin ", while in recent years the focus has shifted to "sorafenib resistance", "exosome", "stem cell " and "pi3k". Conclusion:miRNAs are of great research importance in elucidating HCC occurrence, progression, treatment, and prognosis prediction, and have become prospective biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC. Therefore, actively exploring the detailed mechanisms of miRNA-mediated HCC onset and progression may offer promising prospects for future improvements in the clinical outcomes of HCC patients.