Abstract
ApoE-deficient mice are among the most commonly used experimental models for investigating atherosclerosis. Despite more than three decades of extensive research, a comprehensive global overview of the scientific landscape surrounding this model remains limited. Thus, the objective of the study was to conduct a bibliometric analysis to assess global research trends, impactful publications and emerging thematic focus in research using this mouse model in atherosclerosis. The Web of Science and Scopus databases were searched to retrieve publications. Subsequent screening and filtering yielded 3,263 original research articles published between 1992 and 2025. ScientoPy (v2.1.3) was used to create bibliometric indicators for publication trends, citation metrics and journal productivity, whereas VOSviewer (v1.6.20) was used to visualize keyword co-occurrence and thematic clusters. The findings indicate a high level of scientific productivity, with a relatively stable publication rate over the last ten years. China and the United States were the most notable contributors, accounting for a significant share of global research output. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology and Atherosclerosis were the most productive journals, with most publications in first-quartile cardiovascular journals. Citation analysis revealed landmark studies in which the mouse served as a primary model for lipid metabolism, vascular remodeling and immune signaling. Eight major thematic clusters were identified: cardiometabolic diseases, macrophage-driven lipid metabolism, vascular remodeling, oxidative stress, plaque stability, immune regulation, microbiome interactions and therapeutic strategies. This bibliometric analysis demonstrates that research on ApoE-deficient mice constitutes a mature, globally collaborative scientific domain, with a shift from lipid-focused to broader mechanisms, including immunometabolism and interactions with the gut microbiota.
Keywords: ApoE-deficient Mice, Atherosclerosis, Bibliometric Analysis, Experimental Model