Mapping intellectual structure and research hotspots in the field of coronary heart disease and apoptosis: A bibliometric analysis from 1994 to 2025

Abstract

Background: Apoptosis plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease (CHD). This study investigated the research status and hotspots in the field of apoptosis and CHD.

Methods: This bibliometric analysis analyzed all articles and reviews from Web of Science Core Collection (dated July 7, 2025), using quantitative and visual mapping approaches. We employed the Bibliometrix R package to conduct a thorough analysis of the selected literature, which provided the hot topics, academic collaborations, and trends within the field.

Results: We identified 5650 publications related to apoptosis and CHD, and the number of related articles has increased significantly in recent years. These publications came from 23,645 authors, and Zhang Y was the most influential author in this field. The USA had the highest impact and international collaboration. Apoptosis is activated via distinct pathways and exhibit interactions via Beclin 1-Bcl-2/Bcl-xL complex, mTOR, TRAIL, TNF-α, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and the p53 pathway. Excessive apoptosis may exacerbate myocardial ischemia, ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, postischemic cardiac remodeling, and coronary atherosclerosis, excluding the progression of atherosclerosis induced by vascular smooth muscle cells. Given the pathological significance of apoptosis in CHD, there is a clear therapeutic potential in targeting apoptosis. Certain pharmacological agents, including mTOR inhibitors and AMPK activators, have been identified as regulators of apoptosis. The apoptosis-related cellular and molecular mechanisms in the progression and treatment of CHD have been the hot topics in this field.

Conclusion: This study provided researchers with an overview of emerging trends in the field of apoptosis and CHD. Future studies should elucidate the roles of novel biomarkers, develop multi-target therapeutic strategies, and explore the interactions between apoptosis and other cellular processes.

Keywords: apoptosis; bibliometrics; cell death; coronary heart disease; research trends.