Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41366978›Full record

ArticleMedicine2025

Research hotspots and advances in atherosclerotic plaque regression: A bibliometric analysis.

Zequn Fu, Yu Bin, Xinyun Zhang, Wenjing Zong, Ying Liu, Hao Liang, Wanghua Liu, Jinxia Li

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Medicine, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Zequn FuSchool of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China.
Yu BinSchool of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China.
Xinyun ZhangSchool of Acu-Moxibustion and Tuina, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China.
Wenjing ZongInstitute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
Ying LiuInstitute of Basic Theory of TCM, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
Hao LiangSchool of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China.
Wanghua LiuSchool of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China.
Jinxia LiSchool of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China.ORCID 0000-0002-0949-8365

Funding

he Outstanding Youth Program of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine No.Z2023XJYQ04Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation No.2025JJ50567Hunan Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Scientific Research Project No.B2024008Science and Technology Innovation Program of Hunan Province No.2024RC3198Scientific Research Project of Education Department of Hunan Province No.23B0357Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program by China Association for Science and Technology No.YESS20220451
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe reversal of atherosclerotic plaques represents a critical area of research in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). With recent significant progress in therapies and imaging, the traditional literature review struggles to map this rapidly evolving field comprehensively.

objectivesThis study systematically analyzes research status, hotspots, and trends in atherosclerotic plaque regression (2000-2025) to guide future research.

methodsAnalyzing 4725 publications from Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection using VOSviewer and CiteSpace, we assessed annual output, collaborations, institutions, citations, and keyword patterns (co-occurrence, bursts).

resultsAnnual publication output has shown a significant upward trend, with an average annual growth rate of 7.8%. China and the United States have emerged as the leading contributors to this research domain. Current research hotspots primarily center on the mechanisms underlying plaque regression (e.g., lipid metabolism, inflammatory responses), therapeutic strategies (e.g., statins, PCSK9 inhibitors), and imaging assessment modalities (e.g., intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), optical coherence tomography). Analysis of keyword bursts indicates a progressive shift in research focus from fundamental pathological investigations toward targeted intervention strategies.

conclusionResearch on atherosclerotic plaque regression is advancing at rapidly. Future efforts should prioritize enhancing international collaboration, deepening multidisciplinary integration, and synergistically incorporating precision medicine and emerging technologies. The ultimate goal is to facilitate the clinical translation of plaque regression strategies and alleviate the global burden of CVDs.

Indexed as

BibliometricsBiomedical ResearchPlaque, AtheroscleroticHumansatherosclerosisbibliometricscite spaceplaque regressionVOSviewer

Identifiers

PMID41366978
PMCPMC12688886

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.