The significance of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the gastrointestinal tract has garnered increasing attention. In recent years, approximately 80 articles on ICC have been published annually in various journals. However, no bibliometric study has specifically focused on the literature related to ICC. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of ICC to reveal dynamic scientific developments, assisting researchers in exploring hotspots and emerging trends while gaining a global perspective.
We conducted a literature search in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2023, to identify relevant literature on ICC. We employed bibliometric software, namely VOSviewer and CiteSpace, to analyze various aspects including annual publication output, collaborations, research hotspots, current status, and development trends in this domain.
A total of 891 English papers were published in 359 journals by 928 institutions from 57 countries/regions. According to the keyword analysis of the literature, researchers mainly focused on “c-Kit,” “expression,” “smooth muscle,” and “nitric oxide” related to ICC over the past 11 years. However, with “SIP syncytium,” “ANO1,” “enteric neurons,” “gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST),” and “functional dyspepsia (FD),” there has been a growing interest in the relationship between ANO1, SIP syncytium, and ICC, as well as the role of ICC in the treatment of GIST and FD.
Bibliometric analysis has revealed the current status of ICC research. The association between ANO1, SIP syncytium, enteric neurons and ICC, as well as the role of ICC in the treatment of GIST versus FD has become the focus of current research. However, further research and collaboration on a global scale are still needed. Our analysis is particularly valuable to researchers in gastroenterology, oncology, and cell biology, providing insights that can guide future research directions.