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

PMID: 41422827
Journal: Immunology
Published: 2026 May
Authors: 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.

## Population

- Inactive adults with obesity, BMI 30-40 kg/m2, medically cleared for exercise.
- Sample size: 84
- Age: 18-60 years eligible
- Sex: Both sexes; exact distribution not reported in main text
- Fitness level: Inactive for previous 6 months
- Health status: Obesity; major systemic, cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, or severe musculoskeletal conditions excluded

## Methodology

- Prospective randomized controlled intervention study
- 8 weeks
- University/community exercise research setting using supervised cycle ergometer training
- Randomized and controlled study design.

## Protocol

- 8-week cycling HIIT.
- Modality: Cycle ergometer.
- Work intervals: 1-2 min at 80-100% HRmax.
- Recovery: 3 min active recovery at 50-70% HRmax.
- Sets or repetitions: Week 1: 4; week 2: 6; week 3: 6; weeks 4-8: 6.
- Intensity: 80-100% HRmax work, 50-70% HRmax recovery, Borg RPE verification.
- Session duration: Approximately 22-38 min depending on week plus return to rest.
- Frequency: 3 sessions/week.
- Program length: 8 weeks.
- Progression: Increased work-bout number and duration over first 4 weeks.
- Untrained control.
- Program length: 8 weeks.

## Outcomes

### Gene expression
Status: mixed
AIM2, MEFV, CARD16, and CARD18 increased after training; NLRP1 and IL-1A did not differ.

AIM2, MEFV, CARD16, CARD18 p<0.05.

### IL-1 beta
Status: improved
Serum IL-1 beta decreased in the trained group.

p=0.0129.

## Practical 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 And Adherence

- 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.

## Original Sources

- [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41422827/) (pubmed)
- [DOI](https://doi.org/10.1111/imm.70090) (doi)
- [PMC full text](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13079245/) (full text)

## Agent Guidance

Preserve the paper-level scope of this note. Do not generalize beyond the population, protocol, measured outcomes, and limitations above.