This study analyzed 10,461 iPSC-related publications retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection-Science Citation Index Expanded, focusing on annual publication, journal, author, institution, country/region, reference, and author keyword, with networkvisualization performed using VOSviewer. The annual publication has shown remarkable growth, first exceeding 500 in 2013 and reaching 1,107 in 2021. Stem Cell Research published the most publications (n = 1,472) and received the highest citations (n = 6,561), followed by PLoS One and Scientific Reports. The United States was the most productive country with 3,525 publications and 208,413 citations. Among the institutions, Kyoto University ranked first in productivity with 480 publications and 33,455 citations. Wu Joseph C. was the most prolific author, having 119 publications and 8,855 citations. Five main clusters were identified through the co-occurrence analysis of the top 177 author keywords: iPSCs differentiation & tissue engineering, neurodegenerative diseases & neurobiology, regenerative medicine in Parkinson's disease, cardiac disease models & gene editing, and ESCs & reprogramming mechanisms. This study presented the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global iPSC research, aiming to map the domain's intellectual structure and collaborative networks. It revealed the global landscape, drivers of the growth trajectory, knowledge base, research hotspots, and future perspectives in the domain, thereby offering a strategic roadmap to accelerate progress and innovation.
Nerve injuries pose a significant clinical challenge in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, which often lead to permanent functional deficits. Nerve tissue engineering offers a promising path forward, and gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels have emerged as a powerful and versatile platform in this endeavor. Derived from natural collagen, GelMA possesses inherent biocompatibility and cell-adhesive properties, while its photocrosslinkable nature allows for the precise tuning of its mechanical stiffness, degradation rate, and porous architecture to recapitulate the native neural microenvironment. This review comprehensively elucidates the evolution of GelMA from a passive physical support to an active and instructive biomaterial. We explore a wide array of functionalization strategies, including the incorporation of therapeutic cells, the sustained delivery of neurotrophic factors, and the integration of conductive materials to guide regeneration. Furthermore, we discuss the development of advanced stimuli-responsive systems and the application of 3D bioprinting to fabricate anatomically complex nerve guidance conduits. Ultimately, this work establishes GelMA as a pivotal technology for developing the next generation of intelligent and clinically translatable strategies for nerve repair.Impact StatementThis review highlights the transformative potential of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels in nerve tissue engineering. By comprehensively analyzing advanced functionalization strategies and "smart" stimuli-responsive systems that adapt to pathological microenvironments, this work underscores the capacity of GelMA to overcome critical barriers in neural repair. We detail how these versatile scaffolds can be engineered for precise drug delivery, electrical conductivity, and gene editing. These insights provide a roadmap for developing next-generation, autonomous biomaterials, paving the way for personalized clinical solutions that significantly enhance functional recovery in patients with severe neuronal injuries.
Bone regeneration is a multifaceted process involving inflammation and tissue remodeling, which are tightly regulated by the immune response. Macrophages, central players in bone regeneration, exhibit remarkable functional plasticity, transitioning between pro-inflammatory (M1) and anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotypes. The regulation of macrophage polarization, specifically guiding the shift from the M1 to M2 phenotype, has emerged as a critical therapeutic target to enhance bone regeneration. This review explores the emerging field of macrophage-targeted hydrogels, a novel class of biomaterials designed to modulate macrophage polarization for enhanced bone regeneration. These hydrogels integrate bioactive agents such as growth factors, exosomes, peptides, and nanozymes to influence macrophage behavior, thereby creating a favorable microenvironment for tissue healing. By incorporating specific bioactive molecules that engage macrophage receptors, these hydrogels promote a shift toward the reparative M2 phenotype, facilitating osteogenesis, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling. Despite their potential, challenges remain, including optimizing the precise control over macrophage polarization, improving targeted delivery, and ensuring the long-term safety and stability of these materials. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms, applications, and therapeutic potential of macrophage-targeted hydrogels, highlighting their promise as an innovative strategy for bone regeneration.
BACKGROUND:Osteonecrosis is a pathological condition characterized by disturbances in microcirculation, osteolysis, and subsequent bone collapse, leading to significant pain and motor impairments that severely affect the quality of life of affected individuals. The primary therapeutic goal in osteonecrosis is the restoration of bone integrity, typically through bone grafting or the use of tissue-engineered constructs. Despite the critical importance of these approaches, a systematic and comprehensive review of the field remains lacking. This study aims to provide a thorough bibliometric analysis of the current state and key research trends in bone regeneration for osteonecrosis. METHODS:A systematic search of the Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, and OpenAlex was conducted for studies published between 2001 and 2024, yielding a total of 1,548 publications related to "osteonecrosis and bone regeneration." Bibliometric tools, including VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the R package "bibliometrix," were utilized for data analysis. RESULTS:The analysis revealed a notable increase in the number of publications over the years, with China leading the global output at 38.6%, followed by the United States (16.4%) and Japan (5.2%). Shanghai Jiao Tong University and researcher Ling Qin were identified as key contributors to the field. The journal International Orthopaedics emerged as a highly active outlet, while Bone was recognized for its significant impact. Research efforts have primarily focused on bone grafts, tissue engineering, and mesenchymal stem cells, with emerging interest in the integration of exosomes, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and immunomodulation in regenerative therapy. CONCLUSION:This bibliometric review highlights the leading contributors to the field of osteonecrosis research and identifies key trends in bone regeneration strategies. The findings underscore the progressive advancements in the field and suggest promising avenues for future research.
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a clinically heterogeneous disorder characterized by ovarian dysfunction occurring before the age of 40, leading to infertility and increased long-term health risks. Current management strategies alleviate symptoms but fail to restore ovarian function or fertility, thereby prompting an urgent demand for regenerative therapies for POI. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising regenerative strategy due to their multifunctional capabilities, including paracrine effects, immunomodulation, and cytoprotection effects. This review systematically synthesizes preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of MSCs in mitigating ovarian damage, enhancing folliculogenesis, restoring hormonal balance, and promoting the restoration of fertility in both POI models and patients. In addition, this article examines ongoing challenges, such as cellular heterogeneity, the determination of optimal transplantation strategies, and ensuring long-term safety. It also highlights innovative approaches, including biomaterial-enhanced transplantation, genetic engineering, and exosome-based therapies. The integration of these advanced strategies within personalized medicine frameworks holds significant potential to transform the clinical management of POI.
