Probiotics and Insulin Resistance in Obese Asthmatics

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.