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

PMID: 41729927
Journal: PLOS One
Published: 2026
Authors: 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.

## Population

- Adults with obesity, BMI 30-40 kg/m2, inactive for at least 6 months.
- Sample size: 109
- Age: Median about 44-45 years
- Sex: 90 women and 19 men across analyzed groups
- Fitness level: Inactive
- Health status: Obesity; some diabetes and hypertension

## Methodology

- Prospective randomized controlled study
- 8 weeks
- Community/university clinical exercise setting in Brazil
- Randomized and controlled study design.

## Protocol

- Cycling HIIT.
- Modality: Cycle ergometer.
- Work intervals: 1-2 minutes.
- Recovery: 3 minutes at 50%-70% HRmax.
- Sets or repetitions: 4-6.
- Intensity: 80%-100% HRmax.
- Session duration: Approximately 22-35 minutes.
- Frequency: 3 sessions/week.
- Program length: 8 weeks.
- Progression: Week 1 4 x 1 minute; week 2 6 x 1 minute; week 3 6 x 1.5 minutes; weeks 4-8 6 x 2 minutes.
- No-exercise control.
- Modality: No structured exercise.
- Program length: 8 weeks.

## Outcomes

### Inflammasome markers
Status: mixed
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.

### Chemokine receptors
Status: mixed
CCR2 and CCR5 increased while CX3CR1 decreased in trained participants.

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

### Triglycerides
Status: improved
Triglycerides decreased in the trained group.

p=0.009.

### Body composition
Status: no clear change
Percent fat, fat mass, lean mass, and total mass did not change.

## Practical 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 And Adherence

- 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.

## Original Sources

- [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41729927/) (pubmed)
- [DOI](https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0343214) (doi)
- [PMC full text](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12928487/) (full text)

## Agent Guidance

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