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

Obesity is a chronic disease associated with systemic inflammation caused by excess visceral fat and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-6. Inflammasomes-particularly those involving genes such as NLRP1, AIM2 and MEFV-play a key role in this process. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) can counteract this inflammation; however, it remains unclear how HIIT modulates inflammasome gene expression in obesity. This study investigated whether HIIT can alter the expression of genes related to the inflammasomes NLRP1, AIM2 and MEFV in obese individuals. The results showed that, after 8 weeks of HIIT, there was an increase in the expression of the genes AIM2, MEFV, CARD16 and CARD18. The increase in CARD16, known to inhibit caspase-1 dimerisation, reinforces the hypothesis related to decreased inflammation, evidenced by the absence of clear activation of the NLRP1 inflammasome and by lower serum IL-1β concentrations in trained participants. Although CARD18 was also upregulated, its function remains ambiguous, and it may act as an inhibitor or modulator of inflammation. Therefore, we conclude that HIIT is a promising intervention for modulating inflammatory genes in individuals with obesity, with the potential to reduce systemic inflammation and its pathological effects.