Exosomes and neuropathic pain:visualization analysis on literature

Ma Jing; Han Jing; Shi Linyu; Wu Yuwei; Yuan Haiguang; Li Yongfeng

doi:10.12307/2026.789

Abstract：BACKGROUND:Neuropathic pain has a complex pathogenesis and limited clinical intervention outcomes.In recent years,exosomes have gradually emerged as a focal point in the study of neuropathic pain due to their unique intercellular communication functions and molecular delivery capabilities. OBJECTIVE:To systematically review research progress on exosomes in the field of neuropathic pain using bibliometric methods,summarize the knowledge framework and research hotspots,and provide theoretical foundations and translational strategies for advancing this field. METHODS:Based on the Web of Science Core Collection(WOSCC)database,relevant literature on exosomes and neuropathic pain was retrieved over the time span from January 1,2012,to March 31,2025.Keyword co-occurrence analysis,clustering analysis,outbreak detection,and collaboration network visualization were performed using VOSviewer and CiteSpace software. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A total of 313 articles were included in this study.Among 42 countries or regions,the United States and China made significant contributions.Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Nantong University were the research institutions with the highest number of publications.The journals with the most publications and the highest number of citations were Neural Regeneration Research and International Journal of Molecular Sciences,respectively.The study identified 382 authors,with Zhang Zheng Gang having the highest number of publications and Zhang Yi having the highest number of citations.Keywords of particular interest included"nerve regeneration,""neuroinflammation,""Schwann cell,""regenerative medicine,"and"spinal cord injury,"all of which are key areas for future research.Bibliometric analysis revealed research trends of exosomes in the field of neuropathic pain.Exosomes hold great promise in elucidating the underlying mechanisms and developing novel precision therapies for neuropathic pain.Future studies may combine multi-omics and engineered exosome platforms to advance the development of this field.