Journal of Exercise & Organ Cross Talk

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on Adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipR1) gene expression in breast tumor tissue and serum levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione reductase (GR) in a murine model of breast cancer. Sixteen male BALB/c mice were inoculated subcutaneously with 4T1 murine mammary carcinoma cells (5 × 10⁵ cells/mouse). One week post-inoculation, mice were randomly assigned to either a tumor-bearing control group (Tumor, n=8) or a tumor-bearing group subjected to HIIT (Tumor+HIIT, n=8). The HIIT protocol was performed on a motor-driven treadmill five days/week for four weeks, consisting of six 2-minute high-intensity intervals (18–25 m/min, 80–90% VO₂max) interspersed with 3-minute active recovery periods (5–9 m/min). Twenty-four hours after the final session, tumor tissues were excised for AdipR1 gene expression analysis via quantitative real-time PCR (2^-ΔΔCT method), and serum samples were collected for assessment of GPX and GR levels using ELISA. Statistical comparisons were performed using independent samples t-tests (p<0.05). HIIT significantly upregulated AdipR1 gene expression in breast tumor tissue compared to the control group (p<0.0001). Serum GPX levels were significantly decreased in the Tumor+HIIT group compared to the Tumor control group (p<0.0001). However, no significant difference was observed in serum GR levels between the two groups (p=0.7499). These findings suggest that HIIT may influence breast cancer progression through adiponectin-mediated pathways and oxidative stress regulation, providing a potential non-pharmacological adjunctive strategy for breast cancer management. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms and clinical implications.

Abstract Western diet (WD) consumption promotes oxidative stress and inflammation and plays a central role in the development of fatty liver disease. This study investigated the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), ketone ester supplementation, and their combination on hepatic Keap1, Nrf2, and NF-κB protein levels in WD-fed mice. Thirty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to five groups (n=6): normal diet (ND), WD, WD plus ketone ester (WD+KE), WD plus HIIT (WD+HIIT), and WD plus HIIT combined with ketone ester supplementation (WD+HIIT+KE). Except for the ND group, all animals consumed a WD for eight weeks. HIIT was performed for four weeks (three sessions/week), and ketone ester was administered daily by oral gavage. Hepatic protein levels of Keap1, Nrf2, and NF-κB were determined using Western blotting. WD feeding significantly increased hepatic Keap1 and NF-κB protein levels and reduced Nrf2 levels compared with the ND group. HIIT and ketone ester, both independently and in combination, significantly decreased NF-κB and increased Nrf2 protein levels compared with the WD group. In addition, HIIT alone and in combination with ketone ester supplementation significantly reduced hepatic Keap1 levels (p<0.05). Overall, both interventions alleviated WD-induced alterations in hepatic oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling. The combined intervention elicited the most pronounced molecular responses, suggesting potential synergistic effects of HIIT and ketone ester supplementation in attenuating Western diet-induced oxidative stress and inflammation.

Abstract This study investigated the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and a multi-strain probiotic mixture, on the intestinal expression of FXR and PPAR-γ in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Forty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups (n=8): Healthy Control (HC), Diabetic Control (DC), Diabetic+HIIT (DH), Diabetic+Probiotic (DP), and Diabetic+HIIT+Probiotic (DHP). T2DM was induced via a single intraperitoneal injection of nicotinamide (95 mg/kg) followed by streptozotocin (STZ, 55 mg/kg). The HIIT protocol was performed on a rodent treadmill for 8 weeks (5 sessions/week). The probiotic mixture (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus reuteri; 1×10¹⁰ CFU/mL each) was administered daily via oral gavage. Diabetes induction significantly downregulated the intestinal expression of both FXR and PPAR-γ compared to healthy controls (p<0.001). HIIT and probiotic interventions, individually, significantly increased the expression of both nuclear receptors compared to the diabetic control group (p<0.001). Notably, the combined HIIT and probiotic intervention (DHP) produced the highest expression levels of FXR and PPAR-γ, which were significantly greater than either intervention alone (p<0.01) and restored FXR expression to levels comparable to healthy controls. Both HIIT and multi-strain probiotic supplementation effectively upregulate the intestinal expression of FXR and PPAR-γ in diabetic rats, with the combination exerting a synergistic effect. These findings identify a novel mechanism by which lifestyle interventions may restore intestinal metabolic function and inter-organ communication in T2DM, highlighting the therapeutic potential of targeting the gut through combined exercise and probiotic strategies.

Abstract The integration of herbal supplementation with exercise training may offer a novel hybrid strategy that bridges traditional medicine and modern performance science to enhance recovery and physical outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the synergistic effects of cinnamon supplementation and Tabata-style high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on metabolic and performance outcomes in young male military cadets. Forty-eight healthy cadets were randomly assigned to four groups: Tabata training (T), cinnamon supplementation (S), Tabata + cinnamon (TS), and control (C). The intervention lasted six weeks, consisting of thrice-weekly Tabata sessions (87–100% HRmax) and daily oral cinnamon supplementation (1.5 g/day). Assessments conducted before and after the intervention included body composition, VO₂max, post-exercise blood lactate levels, and combat readiness scores based on the Army Combat Fitness Test. Statistical analysis employed paired t-tests and ANCOVA at a significance level of p < 0.05. Significant improvements were observed in the TS group compared to control: VO2max increased (p = 0.001), post-exercise lactate decreased (−1.93 mmol/L, p = 0.001), and combat readiness scores improved substantially (+63.6 points, p = 0.001). Comparable but less pronounced improvements were observed in the Tabata-only and cinnamon-only groups. No adverse effects were reported. The findings suggest that cinnamon—a time-honored medicinal spice—may potentiate the effects of high-intensity training by improving aerobic capacity, lactate clearance, and combat readiness. This study provides translational evidence supporting cinnamon as a safe, natural, and affordable traditional functional food that can enhance physical performance and metabolic resilience in tactical populations. The integration of traditional herbal supplementation with modern training paradigms offers a promising avenue in the evolving field of evidence-based traditional medicine.

Abstract Metabolic syndrome (MetS) elevates thrombotic risk through dysregulated coagulation factors, including plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and fibrinogen, driven by visceral adiposity and metabolic dysfunction. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) improves cardiometabolic health, but its effects on hemostatic markers in MetS remain underexplored. Twenty-four men with MetS (ATP-III criteria; age 44.4 ± 5.4 years, BMI 31.7 ± 2.3 kg·m⁻²) were randomized to HIIT (n=12) or control (n=12). HIIT comprised 3 sessions/week for 8 weeks (4 × 4-min intervals at 90% HRmax, interspersed with 3-min active recovery at 70% HRmax). Fasting plasma PAI-1, fibrinogen, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), body composition, and lipid profiles were assessed pre/post-intervention. HIIT significantly reduced PAI-1 (−30.7%, p<0.001) and fibrinogen (−21.8%, p<0.001) versus controls. Concurrent improvements occurred in HOMA-IR (−20.6%, p<0.001), body fat (−3.8%, p<0.05), systolic/diastolic BP (−7.5%/−5.2%, p<0.05), LDL-c (−5.6%), triglycerides (−9.4%), and HDL-c (+3.0%; all p<0.05). Control group exhibited no significant changes. HIIT attenuates prothrombotic risk in MetS, evidenced by reductions in PAI-1 and fibrinogen. These hemostatic improvements are mechanistically linked to ameliorated metabolic dysfunction, highlighting HIIT’s role in modulating adipose tissue–vascular cross talk.

Abstract The presence of tetracycline in animal products has toxic and destructive effects on body tissues. In this study we investigate the potential protective mechanism of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) against tetracycline-induced hepatic steatosis (HS) and testicular apoptosis in male Wistar rat. In this study, forty-eight male Wistar rats (8-week, 220±10 gram) were randomly divaded into six groups of primary control (pre week one), primary HS (tetracycline-induced HS), secondary control (after week five), secondary HS, (5) HIIT, and HS+HIIT (after week five). Tetracycline was administered to rats 140 mg / kg for 7 days by gavage. HIIT was performed on rodent treadmill 5 days/week for 5 weeks.  Oral exposure of tetracycline for 7 days caused severe testis damage as indicated by significant alterations in histomorphological, apoptosis, increase Bax, P53 and decease Bcl2 (gene and protein, p=0.001) compared to primary control. But the changes of PARP1 were not significant (p>0.05). However, HIIT and HS+HIIT groups significantly increased spermatogonium counts, spermatocyte cell counts & spermatid cell counts (p=0.001 for all) in line with Bcl-2 and PARP1 (gene and protein, p=0.001) and decreasing apoptotic cells, Bax and p53 compared with secondary HS group (p=0.001). This research provides the first evidence that the beneficial anti-apoptosis effects of HIIT on testis of rats poisoned with tetracycline. This beneficial effect of HIIT on hepatic steatosis and testicular damage and toxicity due to tetracycline might be mediated by inhibiting P53-induced BAX upregulation and preventing apoptosis-mediated degradation of PARP-1.

Abstract The present study aimed to investigate the effect of 4 weeks of high-intensity interval training on the amounts of metabolic proteins like Sarcolipine, PGC1α and FNDC5 in SOL and EDL muscles of male Wistar rats. In the present study, 14 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into experimental (n = 7) and control (n = 7) groups. The training group performed high-intensity interval training for 4 weeks and 5 sessions per week, including high-intensity (90% vVO2max) and low-intensity (45% vVO2max) two-minute intervals. Finally, the SOL and EDL muscles of the research groups were extracted, and also independent statistical t-test (p <0.05) was used for statistical analysis. The results showed that the amounts of SLN, PGC1α, and FNDC5 proteins in the experimental group were significantly different from the control group in SOL muscle, but the amounts of FNDC5 protein in the EDL muscle of the HIIT group were not significantly different from the control group. The results showed that by observing the changes in the amounts of regulatory proteins related to cellular metabolism due to high-intensity interval training, this training method could be suggested to increase metabolism and improve the lipid oxidation process in a short time.

Abstract Inflammation is a major component of almost all acute and chronic liver disorders, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This study aimed to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training on IL-22 and STAT3 gene expression of liver tissue in steatosis animal model. In this experimental study, 32 rats (weighing 200-250 gr) were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups including healthy control, fatty liver, HIIT and fatty liver + HIIT group. Rats were infected with fatty liver by oral tetracycline at a dose of 140 mg/kg (soluble in 2 ml of water) for 7 days. The HIIT exercise program performed on treadmill five sessions per week for 5 weeks. The IL-22 and STAT3 gene expressions in the liver tissue of samples were measured by Real Time PCR. Data were analyzed by One-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests at significance level P <0.05. The results showed that the gene expression of IL-22 in liver tissue in HIIT group and fatty liver + HIIT was significantly lower than that in the fatty liver group (P = 0.001). Also, the gene expression of STAT3 in liver tissue in HIIT group and fatty liver + HIIT was significantly higher than that in the fatty liver group (P = 0.001). According to the results, the HIIT training program seems to help improve the liver steatosis.

Abstract Overweight and obesity are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension and type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of two continuous aerobic training and high-intensity interval training on body weight, body mass index, waist to hip ratio, and body fat percentage in overweight and obese military people. In this quasi-experimental study, 30 overweight or obese military personnel stationed in a military center were divided into two equal groups of 15 subjects within continuous aerobic training group and high-intensity interval training group. The training protocol consisted of six weeks of continuous aerobic training and high intensity interval training performed every week for three sessions and each session for 60 minutes with equal intensity. The research variables included body weight, body mass index, waist to hip ratio and body fat percentage, which were measured in the same and standard conditions in two stages of pre-test and post-test. After 6 weeks of intervention, high-intensity interval training group showed a significant reduction in body mass index, waist-hip ratio and body fat percentage compared to the continuous aerobic training group(P<0.05). However, there was no significant change in the body weight of the subjects (P<0.05). The results of this study showed that the high-intensity interval training protocol had a greater effect on the body composition parameters of the subjects compared to the continuing aerobic exercise protocol, so it could be included in the training program for overweight or obese military persons.