Global Trends in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and TGF-β Research: A Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis from 2000 to 2024.

[BACKGROUND] Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) plays a pivotal role in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by modulating immune responses, inflammatory processes, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in hepatocytes. It has emerged as a key therapeutic target for HCC.

[OBJECTIVE] This study employs bibliometric analysis to examine literature published between 2000 and 2024, aiming to explore the critical roles of TGF-β in HCC and provide a theoretical foundation for future research.

[METHODS] This study utilized the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database to analyze publications from January 1, 2000, to October 16, 2024. Visualization tools such as CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and SCImago Graphica were utilized to assess publication trends, countries, institutions, journals, authors, keywords, and references, identifying hotspots, trends, and the evolution of TGF-β research in the context of HCC.

[RESULTS] The analysis encompassed 3,026 publications originating from 79 different countries. China was identified as the leading country in publication volume, with Fudan University being the most prolific institution. The journal Hepatology stood out as the leading publication in terms of both the volume of articles and citation influence. Keyword analysis revealed that recent research (2020-2024) has focused on metabolic regulation, the tumor immune microenvironment, and targeted therapies related to the TGF-β signaling pathway in HCC.

[CONCLUSION] This study highlights the publication landscape, research trends, and hotspots of TGF- β-related HCC research from 2000 to 2024, providing valuable insights and a theoretical basis for future studies in this critical field.