Probiotics and Insulin Resistance in Obese Asthmatics

Study Summary

In this pilot study investigators will test the hypothesis that administration of oral probiotics modulates microbiome/metabolome, lowers leptin and insulin resistance and improves clinical parameters of asthma in obese insulin resistant asthmatics. Preliminary studies with oral probiotic administration in obese asthmatics showed increased abundance of probiotics-derived Bifidobacterium species and Bifidobacterium-derived metabolite in the airways of asthmatics. Additionally, neutrophils and IL-17 producing Th17 cells were significantly reduced following probiotics administration. Based on these preliminary studies, the investigators propose to test the following aims: Specific Aim 1: Determine if probiotic administration modulates airway microbiome/metabolome in obese insulin resistant asthmatics Specific Aim 2: Determine if modulation of leptin levels and insulin sensitivity by probiotics administration correlates with airway metabolome alterations and weight loss in obese insulin resistant asthmatics Specific Aim 3: Determine if microbiome/metabolome changes in probiotics group correlates with changes in asthma biomarkers and improved clinical outcomes compared to placebo in obese insulin resistant asthmatics.

Primary Outcome

(1a) For airway microbiome analyses, nasal wash samples will be used as surrogates. Nasal wash will be collected from subjects at baseline and 12 weeks. Rectal swab will be collected using Fecal swab kit (COPAN, Thermofisher) and samples prepared for microbiome analysis as above. Microbial genomic DNA from the samples will be isolated using the DNA isolation kit from Zymo Research. (1b) The samples obtained in Aim 1a will be used for metabolomics analyses, both gut and airway samples. Untargete

Conditions Studied

Interventions

• DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT Placebo
• DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT Probiotic

Study Locations (1)