High-Intensity Interval Training Modulates NLRP3 Inflammasome-Related Expression and Monocyte Subset Distribution in...

To evaluate whether high-intensity interval training (HIIT) modulates NLRP3 inflammasome expression, monocyte subtypes and chemokine receptor profiles in adults with obesity. Prospective randomised controlled trial. Sedentary adults with obesity (n = 109, 82.6% women), aged 18-60 years, were randomised to an 8-week HIIT programme (three sessions/week) or to a nontrained control group. Expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome, characterisation of monocyte subset distribution and chemokine receptor expression (CCR2, CCR5 and CX3CR1) were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks by flow cytometry. Intermediate monocytes increased within the control group (p = 0.006) but remained unchanged after HIIT and were significantly higher in the control than in the trained group at T1 (p = 0.014). Nonclassical monocytes increased within the trained group (p = 0.016) and decreased within the control group (p = 0.018). NLRP3 expression in circulating monocytes increased within the control group after 8 weeks (p = 0.028), with no significant change within the trained group; however, the between-group comparison at T1 was not significant (p = 0.857). Expression of CCR2 in intermediate monocytes increased within the control group, with no significant changes after HIIT. HIIT was associated with prevention of the shift toward a pro-inflammatory monocyte profile-most robustly, a between-group difference in intermediate monocytes. These findings suggest a modulatory role of exercise on monocyte-driven inflammatory responses, independent of changes in body composition, in a predominantly female cohort. Trial Registration: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials-ReBEC number RBR-8vfxfqd.