Vaibhav Khade, Subhashini Singh, Sonali Labhade, Asha Thomas
Matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12) is a macrophage-derived zinc-dependent endopeptidase that plays a critical role in extracellular matrix degradation, chronic inflammation, and tissue remodeling in pulmonary diseases. Increasing evidence has established MMP-12 as an important therapeutic target in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, and other respiratory disorders. However, the global research landscape, scientific collaborations, and emerging trends in this field have not been comprehensively evaluated. This study aimed to characterize the evolution of MMP-12 research in pulmonary diseases using bibliometric analysis. Bibliographic records were retrieved from the Dimensions AI database, with metadata verification performed using Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and PubMed. The exported dataset was analyzed using Bibliometrix (Biblioshiny; R version 4.4.1) and VOSviewer (version 1.6.20) to evaluate annual scientific production, citation performance, collaboration networks, author and institutional productivity, Bradford's law, Lotka's law, keyword co-occurrence, and thematic evolution. A total of 2500 publications published between 2000 and 2025 were analyzed. Annual scientific production demonstrated a significant upward trend over the study period (β = 6.41 publications/year, R2 = 0.915, p < 0.001), reflecting sustained growth in scientific interest. Publication output was concentrated within a relatively small number of specialized journals, while collaboration networks revealed increasing international cooperation among leading authors and institutions. Keyword co-occurrence and thematic evolution analyses demonstrated a transition from fundamental studies of extracellular matrix degradation toward biomarker discovery, precision medicine, pulmonary fibrosis, immune regulation, and targeted therapeutic interventions. The findings also highlight the pharmacological evolution of MMP-12 research from broad-spectrum matrix metalloproteinase inhibition toward selective, mechanism-based therapeutic strategies with improved translational potential. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the global MMP-12 research landscape, identifies influential contributors and emerging research priorities, and offers a valuable framework for future investigations aimed at developing targeted therapies for pulmonary diseases.