Short‐term exposure to synthetic flaxseed lignan LGM2605 alters gut microbiota in mice

LGM2605 is a synthetic version of the naturally occurring flaxseed lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), with known anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties; however, its effects on gut microbial composition have not previously been evaluated. In the present study, we sought to determine how the 10‐day oral administration of LGM2605 alters the gut microbiota of mice. Eight‐week‐old female C57BL/6 mice were treated with either LGM2605 or saline, administered daily via oral gavage over a 10‐day treatment period. Upon termination of treatment, mouse cecums (n = 31) were collected, and cecal DNA was isolated. 16S rRNA genes were sequenced and analyzed in Mothur to identify changes in gut microbial composition induced by LGM2605 treatment (v. saline control). We then assessed community composition, performed indicator taxa analysis, and measured alpha and beta diversity. Overall, LGM2605 significantly altered the gut microbiota of mice; we reported alterations in 3 bacterial phyla and 22 genera as a result of treatment. The study here identifies for the first time significant alterations in the gut microbiota of mice following oral administration of LGM2605, in general shifting toward a more anti‐inflammatory composition. These findings lay the foundation for future investigations utilizing LGM2605 to control gut dysbiosis and, by extension, systemic inflammation.