Global Trends and Hotspots of Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 8 Research from 2002 to 2021: A Bibliometric Analysis

BACKGROUND: Transient receptor potential channels are the major temperature and nociceptive receptors in the human body and transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) is the cold-sensitive and non-selective cation channel. In our study, we performed a bibliometric analysis of TRPM8 from 2002 to 2021 to summarize the current research status and potential research direction in the future. METHODS: The TRPM8-related publications were selected from the Web of Science Core Collection SCI-EXPANDED database from 2002 to 2021. The publication details, such as authors, titles, and author keywords, were used for bibliometric analysis and network visualization to present the current state of TRPM8 research. RESULTS: A total of 1035 articles met the inclusion criteria. The number of TRPM8-related articles has grown rapidly over the past two decades. The USA has the largest number of publications, citations, and international collaborations. The TRPM8-related articles are mainly published and cited in neurological journals, such as the Journal of Neuroscience (41 publications and 2171 local citations). Prevarskaya N. has the most publications (26), and Patapoutian A. has been cited the most (1414 local citations). The popular disciplines in TRPM8 research include Neurosciences and Neurology, Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology. Research hotspots are mainly TRP channel, calcium, prostate cancer, proliferation, pain, cold, nociception, and inflammation. CONCLUSION: Our bibliometric analysis demonstrates that the number of TRPM8 studies has increased from 2002 to 2021. The global research trends and hotspots include the activation mechanism of TRPM8 in neurons, the role of TRPM8 in neuronal and non-neuronal diseases, and therapeutic target research.