Assessing the Role of a Fermented Soy Extract in Inflammation and the Human Microbiome

The study will start with a detailed testing of the microorganisms present in the QC fermented soy liquid, using deep sequencing. Subsequently, the researchers will determine the effect of the QC fermented soy product on the microbiome and inflammation in lean and obese individuals, as obese individuals are known to have dysbiosis. The work on inflammatory changes will be supplemented by studies to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanistic pathways responsible for the biological action of QC fermented soy liquid.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults (aged between 18 and 70) that are obese (BMI 32-37) (n=10)
• Adults (aged between 18 and 70) that are lean (BMI 21-25) (n=10)

Exclusion criteria

• Allergy to soy or soy derivatives.
• Patients will be excluded if they had abdominal surgeries (excluding cholecystectomy, appendectomy, hysterectomy, and hernia repair).
• History of inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease) and/or gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Medications: Antibiotics, probiotics, or systemic corticosteroids (within 6 months of enrollment).
• Radiation proctitis or other known poorly controlled medical conditions that could interfere with bowel function.
• Patients will be excluded if using medications which are known to be affected by modest dietary changes. This will include, but is not limited to, warfarin and immunosuppressives such as cyclosporin.
• Alcohol use disorder, anorexia nervosa, autoimmune disease, bulimia, celiac disease, chronic infections, and illicit drug use.
• Major changes in dietary habits in past six months.
• Pregnancy or intent to get pregnant during study period
• Use of tobacco, including cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, cigars, and pipes within 30 days of enrollment.