ceRNA networks in ischemic stroke: a bibliometric analysis

Abstract Background and method Ischemic stroke, a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, has been increasingly linked to ceRNA networks, which regulate neuronal damage and recovery. Despite growing interest, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of ceRNA’s role in stroke remains limited. This study examines the research landscape, key trends, and future directions using Bibliometrix R package, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace. Bibliometrix (Biblioshiny) was used to analyze research growth, author productivity, and global collaboration. VOSviewer facilitated network visualization in co-occurrence, co-citation, and bibliographic coupling analyses, while CiteSpace identified emerging trends and key contributors through citation burst analysis and thematic clustering. Results Our analysis revealed a rapid surge in ceRNA-related ischemic stroke research from 2018 to 2024, with China leading in research output and global collaborations. Co-citation analysis identified three major thematic clusters: circRNAs in autophagy, lncRNAs within the ceRNA hypothesis, and the complexity of ceRNA networks in middle cerebral artery occlusion. Bibliographic coupling analysis highlighted five key research domains: lncRNA- and circRNA-mediated ceRNA networks, neurovascular injury, epigenetic regulation, and immune pathogenesis, highlighting their pivotal role in stroke mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Molecular Medicine Reports ranked as the most influential journal, while Fudan University led institutional contributions. Thematic mapping identified inflammation and biomarkers as emerging research frontiers, suggesting potential novel therapeutic targets. Conclusion This study provides a comprehensive analysis of ceRNA research in ischemic stroke, highlighting key trends, emerging frontiers, and therapeutic potential. The increasing focus on lncRNA- and circRNA-mediated networks, inflammation, and biomarkers reflects a shift toward precision medicine and innovative therapeutic interventions. These findings establish a foundation for future molecular diagnostics and targeted therapies, bridging the gap between research and clinical practice.