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

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.