PMID 41422827

Research
All papers

The Role of NLRP1, AIM2 and MEFV Inflammasomes in the High-Intensity Interval Training of Individuals With Obesity

Silveira ALPA, Abreu DA, Musto ALS, Nali LHDS, Amaral JBD, Bachi ALL, Shio MT, Rezende-Teixeira P, França CN

Question

Does 8 weeks of HIIT alter NLRP1, AIM2, MEFV, CARD16, CARD18, and related inflammatory markers in adults with obesity?

Summary

Adults with obesity were randomized to an 8-week cycling HIIT program or control. HIIT changed several inflammasome-related gene signals and lowered serum IL-1 beta, suggesting a possible anti-inflammatory adaptation, but clinical outcomes and adverse events were not the focus.

Methodology

  • Inactive adults with obesity, BMI 30-40 kg/m2, medically cleared for exercise.
  • 84 participants.
  • Cycle ergometer.
  • Work intervals: 1-2 min at 80-100% HRmax.
  • Recovery: 3 min active recovery at 50-70% HRmax.
  • Intensity: 80-100% HRmax work, 50-70% HRmax recovery, Borg RPE verification.
  • Approximately 22-38 min depending on week plus return to rest.
  • 3 sessions/week.
  • 8 weeks.
  • Prospective randomized controlled intervention study
  • Inflammasome gene expression, and Serum IL-1 beta were tracked.

Outcomes

Gene expression

AIM2, MEFV, CARD16, and CARD18 increased after training; NLRP1 and IL-1A did not differ.

AIM2, MEFV, CARD16, CARD18 p<0.05.

Mixed

IL-1 beta

Serum IL-1 beta decreased in the trained group.

p=0.0129.

Improved

Insights

  • A progressive 8-week cycling HIIT plan can be structured for inactive adults with obesity when medical screening and monitoring are available.
  • Mechanistic inflammatory marker changes should be presented as early biological evidence, not as direct proof of symptom or disease improvement.

Limitations

  • External factors including diet, supplements, sleep, stress, and outside physical activity were not strictly controlled.
  • Clinical outcomes were not the main endpoint.
  • Generalizability is limited for elderly adults, severe obesity, and comorbid populations.

Safety

  • No adverse events were reported in the main article.
  • Participants were medically screened, had extensive exclusions, and exercise intensity was continuously monitored with heart rate and Borg RPE.
  • The protocol excluded participants attending less than 80% of training days or failing to complete 3 consecutive sessions.