Research trend of epigenetics and depression: adolescents' research needs to strengthen

Abstract

ObjectiveWith its high prevalence, depression's pathogenesis remains unclear. Recent attention has turned to the interplay between depression and epigenetic modifications. However, quantitative bibliometric analyses are lacking. This study aims to visually analyze depression epigenetics trends, utilizing bibliometric tools, while comprehensively reviewing its epigenetic mechanisms.MethodsUtilizing the Web of Science core dataset, we collected depression and epigenetics-related studies. Employing VOSViewer software, we visualized data on authors, countries, journals, and keywords. A ranking table highlighted field leaders.ResultsAnalysis encompassed 3,469 depression epigenetics studies published from January 2002 to June 2023. Key findings include: (1) Gradual publication growth, peaking in 2021; (2) The United States and its research institutions leading contributions; (3) Need for enhanced collaborations, spanning international and interdisciplinary efforts; (4) Keyword clustering revealed five main themes—early-life stress, microRNA, genetics, DNA methylation, and histone acetylation—highlighting research hotspots; (5) Limited focus on adolescent depression epigenetics, warranting increased attention.ConclusionTaken together, this study revealed trends and hotspots in depression epigenetics research, underscoring global collaboration, interdisciplinary fusion, and multi-omics data's importance. It discussed in detail the potential of epigenetic mechanisms in depression diagnosis and treatment, advocating increased focus on adolescent research in this field. Insights aid researchers in shaping their investigative paths toward understanding depression's epigenetic mechanisms and antidepressant interventions.