But how pAkk influences the gut microbiota to mediate host responses remains poorly understood. Previous studies have mainly focused on taxonomic changes following pAkk intervention19,22. However, alterations in microbial composition are not always accompanied by corresponding changes in microbial function23. Therefore, it remains unclear whether the beneficial effects of pAkk require restoration of the original microbial community or can be achieved through functional remodeling of the gut microbiota. Whether pAkk influences the gut microbiota beyond community composition—and whether such changes mediate its skeletal effects—has not been examined in the context of estrogen deficiency. Han et al. profiled taxonomic shifts after pAkk treatment but did not assess metabolic function; Feng et al. reported butyrate elevation in obese mice, leaving the bone context unexplored. We therefore tested whether pAkk protects against bone loss through functional remodeling of the gut microbiota rather than restoration of the original community.

But how pAkk influences the gut microbiota to mediate host responses remains poorly understood. Previous studies have mainly focused on taxonomic changes following pAkk intervention19,22. However, alterations in microbial composition are not always accompanied by corresponding changes in microbial function23. Therefore, it remains unclear whether the beneficial effects of pAkk require restoration of the original microbial community or can be achieved through functional remodeling of the gut microbiota. Whether pAkk influences the gut microbiota beyond community composition—and whether such changes mediate its skeletal effects—has not been examined in the context of estrogen deficiency. Han et al. profiled taxonomic shifts after pAkk treatment but did not assess metabolic function; Feng et al. reported butyrate elevation in obese mice, leaving the bone context unexplored. We therefore tested whether pAkk protects against bone loss through functional remodeling of the gut microbiota rather than restoration of the original community.