Global research landscape and emerging trends in intervertebral disc degeneration and the gut microbiota: a multi-database bibliometric and knowledge mapping analysis
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Objective To characterize the global research landscape and thematic evolution of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and gut microbiota using multi-database bibliometric analysis and knowledge mapping, and to identify major research hotspots and emerging trends. Methods This study employed a bibliometric and knowledge-mapping design. We searched the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) and Scopus for relevant English-language original articles and reviews from database inception to July 31, 2026. We merged records retrieved from the two databases. After removing duplicates, screening for relevance, and standardizing data, we performed bibliometric and knowledge mapping analyses using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and bibliometrix. We analyzed research output, collaboration networks, co-citation relationships, and keyword evolution. Results We included 385 publications from 58 countries and 224 journals. The annual number of publications showed an overall upward trend, with more rapid growth after 2020. China and the United States led contributions, while the United States played a central role in the international collaboration network. European Spine Journal published the most articles. Co-citation and keyword analyses showed that research interest gradually shifted from local disc infection, clinical phenotypes, and inflammatory mechanisms toward gut microbiota dysbiosis, the gut–disc axis, and potential causal relationships. “Gut microbiota” and “Mendelian randomization” showed the two strongest keyword bursts, both during 2024–2026. The “gut–disc axis” emerged as a burst keyword in 2025. Recent studies have also drawn increasing attention to the NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis. Conclusion Research on IDD and the gut microbiota is increasingly integrating local pathological mechanisms with the gut microbial ecosystem. The gut–disc axis, inflammation-related cell death, and causal inference have emerged as important research priorities requiring further validation. However, bibliometric trends alone cannot establish biological causality or therapeutic effectiveness. Future studies should integrate longitudinal population studies, genetic causal inference, and functional experiments to clarify potential causal relationships and evaluate the therapeutic relevance of microbiome-targeted interventions.
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology
Language: English
Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7225826533