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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
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Short Session High Intensity Interval Training and Treadmill Assessment in Aged Mice
Published on: February 2, 2019
High-intensity interval training increases SIRT1 activity in human skeletal muscle
Brendon J Gurd1, Christopher G R Perry, George J F Heigenhauser
1School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada.
Summary
High-intensity interval training boosts mitochondrial enzymes and PGC-1alpha protein in human skeletal muscle. Exercise also elevates silent mating-type information regulator 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) activity, demonstrating a link between training and SIRT1 function.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Molecular Biology
- Skeletal Muscle Metabolism
Background:
- Silent mating-type information regulator 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) is a key protein deacetylase involved in cellular metabolism and stress response.
- Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1alpha) is a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis.
- Understanding the interplay between exercise, SIRT1, and mitochondrial adaptations is crucial for optimizing training strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on SIRT1 activity and protein levels in human skeletal muscle.
- To examine the relationship between HIIT-induced changes in SIRT1 and markers of mitochondrial content and PGC-1alpha protein.
Main Methods:
- Human skeletal muscle samples were analyzed following a 6-week HIIT program.
- Measurements included maximal activities of key mitochondrial enzymes (citrate synthase, beta-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase, cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV).
- SIRT1 protein and activity, as well as PGC-1alpha protein, were quantified.
Main Results:
- HIIT significantly increased maximal activities of mitochondrial enzymes (28-36%) and PGC-1alpha protein (16%).
- Total muscle SIRT1 activity increased by 31%, and activity per SIRT1 protein rose by 58%.
- Interestingly, SIRT1 protein levels decreased by 20% despite the observed increase in activity.
Conclusions:
- Exercise-induced mitochondrial biogenesis in human skeletal muscle is associated with enhanced SIRT1 activity.
- The findings suggest that HIIT modulates SIRT1 function, potentially contributing to improved mitochondrial health and metabolic adaptations.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking exercise, SIRT1, and mitochondrial adaptations.
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