Emerging Molecular Insights in Stem Cell Therapy for Osteoarthritis: Decade of Bibliometric Analysis

Objective: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disorder that significantly impairs quality of life. Current treatments largely target symptoms, underscoring the need for disease-modifying approaches. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), owing to their regenerative and immunomodulatory functions, have emerged as a promising therapeutic option. This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of MSC-related OA research, identifying major trends, influential contributors, and evolving thematic foci. Material and Methods: A bibliometric analysis of MSC research in OA published between 2012 and 2024 was performed using the Web of Science database. VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and RBibliometrix were employed to assess publication patterns, collaborative networks, citation structures, and emerging hotspots, including novel topics such as MSC-derived exosomes. Results: The analysis demonstrated a substantial rise in MSC-focused OA research after 2015, driven by advances in stem cell (SC) technologies and improved understanding of OA pathophysiology. China, the United States, and Korea were identified as the most productive countries. Highly cited journals included the American Journal of Sports Medicine and Stem Cell Research & Therapy. Increasing interest in MSC-derived exosomes was identified as a key emerging research frontier. Conclusion: Research on MSC-based therapies for OA has expanded considerably, with exosome-based strategies showing significant promise. Despite encouraging developments, challenges persist, including variability in patient outcomes, lack of standardized methodologies, and limited long-term clinical data. Further rigorous preclinical and clinical investigations are essential to validate the therapeutic potential of MSCs in OA.