Abstract:Objective To investigate the effects of calcitriol combined with teriparatide on gut microbiota in postmenopausal osteoporosis patients.Methods A total of 109 postmenopausal osteoporosis patients treated at Baodi District People's Hospital from March 2021 to September 2023 were selected for the study. They were randomly divided into a treatment group (55 patients receiving combined therapy with calcitriol and teriparatide) and a control group (54 patients receiving only calcitriol). Pre- and post-treatment analyses of gut microbiota were performed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Changes in bone density, bone turnover markers, gut microbiota, calcium and phosphorus metabolism indicators, and serum inflammatory factors were observed in both groups.Results The bone density differences in the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and Ward's triangle area before and after treatment in the treatment group were higher than those in the control group (P <0.05). The difference in osteocalcin, tP1NP, PTH, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and β - CTx before and after treatment in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group (P <0.05). The difference in Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Escherichia coli before and after treatment in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group (P <0.05). The difference in calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase before and after treatment in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group (P <0.05). The difference in TNF - α, IL-6, and IL-10 in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group (P <0.05).Conclusion The combined application of calcitriol and teriparatide significantly enhances the gut microbiota, markedly increasing the proportion of beneficial bacteria, and effectively improves bone density in postmenopausal osteoporosis patients. This approach not only ameliorates clinical symptoms but also offers a comprehensive strategy for managing osteoporosis, reinforcing its therapeutic potential.