The Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training on Inflammatory Markers in Cardiac Tissue of Mice Fed a High-Fat, High-Carbohydrate Diet

Abstract

Background and Aim: A high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet can promote inflammation and activate inflammatory pathways, including the NF-κB pathway, thereby contributing to cardiac tissue damage and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on the inflammatory markers TNF-α, NF-κB, and IL-1β in the cardiac tissue of mice fed a highfat, high-carbohydrate diet. Methods: In this experimental study, 18 mice were divided into three groups: control (CON), fed a standard diet; Western diet (WD); and Western diet plus HIIT (WD+HIIT). The Western diet consisted of 20% protein, 35% carbohydrate, and 45% fat. The HIIT protocol was performed for four weeks, three sessions per week, and consisted of 10 bouts of 2-minute running at 85–90% of maximal speed, interspersed with 2-minute active recovery periods at 50% of maximal speed, on a treadmill with a 5° incline. Results: The WD group showed significantly higher levels of TNF-α, NF-κB, and IL-1β than the CON group (P<0.05). HIIT reduced all three inflammatory markers in the WD+HIIT group; however, the reductions in NF- κB and IL-1β were statistically significant (P<0.05), whereas the reduction in TNF-α was not significant (P>0.05). Conclusion: HIIT may attenuate diet-induced cardiac inflammation by reducing some inflammatory markers in mice fed a high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet and may therefore be considered a potential non-pharmacological approach for modulating inflammation.