The effects of high-intensity interval training on NLRP3 inflammasome and monocyte chemokine receptors in individuals with obesity

Silveira ALPA, de Abreu DA, Musto ALS, Nali LHDS, do Amaral JB, Bachi ALL, Neves LM, Gil S, Santos FM, Victor JR, Shio MT, França CN

Question

Does 8 weeks of HIIT change NLRP3 inflammasome-related gene expression and monocyte chemokine receptors in adults with obesity?

Summary

In adults with obesity, 8 weeks of supervised cycling HIIT changed some inflammatory gene-expression markers and triglycerides but did not change body composition. The authors reported good adherence and no lesions during training.

Methodology

Adults with obesity, BMI 30-40 kg/m2, inactive for at least 6 months.
109 participants.
Cycle ergometer.
Work intervals: 1-2 minutes.
Recovery: 3 minutes at 50%-70% HRmax.
Intensity: 80%-100% HRmax.
Approximately 22-35 minutes.
3 sessions/week.
8 weeks.
Prospective randomized controlled study
NLRP3 inflammasome markers, Monocyte chemokine receptors, Lipids and glucose, and Body composition were tracked.

Outcomes

Inflammasome markers

CASP-1 and IL-6 decreased; NLRP3, IL-1 beta, and IL-18 did not change; ASC increased.

CASP-1 p=0.04, ASC p<0.0001, IL-6 p<0.0001.

Mixed

Chemokine receptors

CCR2 and CCR5 increased while CX3CR1 decreased in trained participants.

CCR2 p<0.0001, CCR5 p=0.001, CX3CR1 p=0.007.

Mixed

Triglycerides

Triglycerides decreased in the trained group.

p=0.009.

Improved

Body composition

Percent fat, fat mass, lean mass, and total mass did not change.

No clear change

Insights

A progressive 1-2 minute cycling HIIT plan can be used in medically cleared adults with obesity.
Gene-expression changes should not be marketed as direct clinical benefit.

Limitations

Diet and supplement intake were not controlled.
Protein-level and functional immune assays were not performed.
Predominantly female sample and variable age.
Body composition did not change.

Safety

Participants were clinically assessed and certified by a medical team as able to engage in exercise training.
Training intensity was monitored with heart rate and Borg RPE.
The authors reported good adherence and stated that HIIT did not promote lesions in volunteers; no numeric attendance or detailed adverse-event table was provided.