Global trends in research of mitophagy in liver diseases over past two decades: A bibliometric analysis

TJ0113 attenuates fibrosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis by inducing mitophagy

BACKGROUND

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) fibrosis is a liver disease accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration. There is growing evidence that insufficient mitophagy can exacerbate inflammation and liver fibrosis (LF). TJ0113 is a novel mitophagy inducer. The study aimed to explore the role of TJ0113 in ameliorating fibrosis in MASH and its mechanisms.

METHODS

A high-fat diet (HFD)-induced MASH mice model and a transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced LX-2 cells model were used, and then they were treated with TJ0113. Changes in hepatocyte damage were observed using electron microscopy. Expression of key molecules related to mitophagy, mitochondrial damage and inflammation in liver was detected by immunofluorescence staining (IF), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blotting (WB).

RESULT

TJ0113 induces mitophagy through parkin/PINK1 and ATG5 signaling pathways and reduces lipid accumulation, inflammation and fibrosis in the liver of MASH mice. TJ0113 attenuated hepatic injury and lowered serum ALT, AST, TC and TG levels. TJ0113 reduced pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), TGF-β1/Smad pathway activation and typical fibrosis-related molecules (α-SMA, Collagen-1) expression. In addition, NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway activation after MASH was significantly attenuated by enhanced Mitophagy. We found that TJ0113 was able to effectively and safely induce mitophagy in vitro and reduce TGF-β1/Smad signaling and downstream pro-fibrotic responses in TGF-β1-treated LX-2 cells.

CONCLUSION

TJ0113 enhances mitophagy to inhibit lipid accumulation, inflammation and fibrosis formation in MASH, and is a candidate for MASH treatment.

Global trends in artificial intelligence applications in liver disease over seventeen years

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has gained prominence in the field of liver disease.

AIM

To analyzes AI research in the field of liver disease, summarizes the current research status and identifies hot spots.

METHODS

We searched the Web of Science Core Collection database for all articles and reviews on hepatopathy and AI. The time spans from January 2007 to August 2023. We included 4051 studies for further collection of information, including authors, countries, institutions, publication years, keywords and references. VOS viewer, CiteSpace, R 4.3.1 and Scimago Graphica were used to visualize the results.

RESULTS

A total of 4051 articles were analyzed. China was the leading contributor, with 1568 publications, while the United States had the most international collaborations. The most productive institutions and journals were the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Frontiers in Oncology. Keywords co-occurrence analysis can be roughly summarized into four clusters: Risk prediction, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of liver diseases. "Machine learning", "deep learning", "convolutional neural network", "CT", and "microvascular infiltration" have been popular research topics in recent years.

CONCLUSION

AI is widely applied in the risk assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of liver diseases, with a shift from invasive to noninvasive treatment approaches.

Unveiling global research trends and hotspots on mitochondria in NAFLD from 2000 to 2023: A bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has garnered significant attention in the past decade as a prevalent chronic liver condition. Despite a growing body of evidence implicating mitochondria in NAFLD development, comprehensive bibliometric analyses within this research domain are scarce. This study aims to provide a thorough overview of the knowledge framework and key research areas related to mitochondria in the context of NAFLD, utilizing bibliometric techniques.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of publications on mitochondria in NAFLD from 2000 to 2023 was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection database. VOSviewers, CiteSpace, and the R package "bibliometrix" were employed for a precise assessment of the literature.

RESULTS

Examining 2530 articles from 77 countries, primarily led by the United States and China, revealed a consistent increase in publications on mitochondria's role in NAFLD. Leading research institutions include the University of Coimbra, the University of Missouri, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fudan University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Notably, the International Journal of Molecular Sciences emerged as the most popular journal, and Hepatology was the most frequently cited. With contributions from 14,543 authors, Michael Roden published the highest number of papers, and A. J. Samyal was the most frequently cocited author. Key focus areas include investigating mitochondrial mechanisms impacting NAFLD and developing therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondria. Emerging research hotspots are associated with keywords such as "inflammation," "mitochondrial dysfunction," "autophagy," "obesity," and "insulin resistance."

CONCLUSION

This study, the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis, synthesizes research trends and advancements in the role of mitochondria in NAFLD. Insights derived from this analysis illuminate current frontiers and emerging areas of interest, providing a valuable reference for scholars dedicated to mitochondrial studies.