Introduction: This study aimed to explore the current status, hotspots, and trends in research on polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and cardiovascular inflammation. Methods: Literature related to cardiovascular inflammation and PUFAs from the Web of Science Core Collection between January 1, 2009, and July 1, 2024, was retrieved using specific search terms, and the data were visualized and analyzed using CiteSpace (version 6.3.R3) and VOSviewer (version 1.6.20). Results and Discussion: PUFAs and cardiovascular inflammation publications have been found to grow over the past 15 years. The United States leads in this field, with Nutrients being the leading journal. Harvard University and the University of California system are the most influential institutions. Most publications are in immunology and medical journals, while citations are primarily in biology and nutrition journals. International collaboration is strong, with Mozaffarian and Calder making significant contributions. Bhatt et al. and Bosch et al. have the most citations and the highest centrality, respectively. Research trends focus on the relationship between PUFAs and inflammatory markers, the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of PUFAs, and their association with diseases. Omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs show divergent impacts on inflammation and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risk, with gut microbiota mediating bidirectional regulation. Emerging research directions in PUFAs’ anti-inflammatory mechanisms encompass gut microbiota, oxidative stress, and pro-resolving mechanisms, with gut microbiota as the current focus. Conclusion: This bibliometric analysis has highlighted sustained growth and global collaboration in PUFAs-cardiovascular inflammation research. Key emerging mechanisms have been found to focus on the gut-microbiota-PUFAs axis, oxidative stress, and pro-resolving pathways, pointing towards future translational opportunities.
Huang et al. (Mon,) studied this question.