Trends and frontiers of tumor necrosis factor in research in endometriosis: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) plays a prominent role in endometriosis research, but the evolution and current status of this field have not been systematically mapped. METHODS: This bibliometric study systematically analyzed publications on TNF and endometriosis indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection from 1988 to 2024. Bibliometric visualization and analysis were conducted using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the R package "bibliometrix." RESULTS: A total of 645 publications were identified. China was the most prolific country (138 publications), followed by the USA (105) and Japan (78). Leading institutions included Harvard University and Fudan University. Major journals such as Fertility and Sterility and Human Reproduction served as primary publication venues. Notable authors included Yutaka Osuga, Akoum A, and Miyuki Harada. Analysis revealed six main research clusters: "Disease Mechanisms," "Cellular Pathways," "Immune Response," "Genetic and Molecular Factors," "Experimental Models and Biomarkers," and "Reproductive Outcomes." Keyword burst analysis indicated evolving research priorities, with recent focus on inflammation, oxidative stress, and pathogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: This bibliometric analysis maps the intellectual structure and thematic evolution of TNF-related endometriosis research, highlighting major contributors, influential journals, and emerging hotspots. The findings provide a reference framework to inform future research directions and support the identification of trends and gaps within this evolving field.