A bibliometric analysis of rheumatology: knowledge structure and research trends of RNA-Binding proteins in rheumatic diseases.

Background: Rheumatic disease is a kind of disease dominated by inflammatory lesions of connective tissue and abnormal immune function. It mostly belongs to autoimmune diseases or connective tissue diseases affecting multiple organs. Meanwhile, understanding the role of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in pathogenesis is rapidly developing. This study aims at summarizing the hotspots in rheumatology studies related to RBPs.

Methods: Scientific papers on RBPs related to rheumatology between 1982 and 2022 were gathered from the Web of Science database. The data analysis and visualization were obtained using the Bibliometrix package. Bibliometrix package was used to analyze bibliometric indicators and visualize the trends and hotspots of the research.

Results: A total of 964 articles met the requirement. From 1982 to 2022, the USA and Anhui Medical University were the most productive country and institution, respectively, in this field. Arthritis and Rheumatism, Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases and Arthritis & Rheumatology were the top three periodicals obtained by Bradford's law. Co-word analysis divided the keywords into three clusters, focusing on diagnosis and classification of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis, respectively. Trend topic analysis revealed that pathogenesis and classification of rheumatic diseases might be the research trend.

Conclusion: Focusing on RBPs in rheumatic diseases, we illustrated the evolution of this field and predicted future research hotspots. The research trend topics have evolved towards clinical classification and pathogenesis at the molecular and genetic level. The pathogenic mechanism in rheumatic diseases will continue to be a hotspot in the future. Besides, the classification of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients may be another hotspot. Researchers are recommended to pay more attention to hotspots demonstrated in the future. Key Points • Bibliometrix package was used to analyze bibliometric indicators and visualize the trends and hotspots of the research. • Focusing on RBPs in rheumatic diseases, we illustrated the evolution of this field and predicted future research hotspots. • The research trend topics have evolved towards clinical classification and the pathogenesis at the molecular and genetic level. • The pathogenic mechanism in rheumatic diseases will continue to be a hotspot in the future.