Effects of High-Intensity Interval and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise on Inflammatory, Leptin, IgA, and Lipid Peroxidation Responses in Obese Males

Abstract

<b>Purpose:</b> To compare the effects of a single high-intensity interval exercise session (HIIE) with a moderate-intensity continuous exercise session (MICE) on the inflammatory profile, IgA levels, and lipid peroxidation in sedentary obese males. <b>Methods:</b> Ten sedentary obese men (age 28.5 ± 2.7 years; BMI 35.9 ± 4.9 kg/m²; body fat 40.6 ± 2.0%) performed three experimental sessions, on separate days with 1 week wash-out period between interventions, according to a randomized order: (1) HIIE: 10 × 60 s at 90% of the HR_max alternated by 60 s of active recovery; (2) MICE: 20 min at 70% of the HR_max; (3) Rest-control. Blood and saliva samples were collected before, immediately after and 60 min after the end of each session in order to analyse serum levels of cytokines, IgA, and lipoperoxidation markers. <b>Results:</b> Leptin levels decreased immediately after HIIE (<i>P</i> = 0.033) and was different from the MICE (<i>P</i> = 0.025). IFN-γ levels were reduced immediately after (<i>P</i> = 0.032) and 60 min after HIIE (<i>P</i> = 0.003) compared to baseline, and it also increased IL-4 levels immediately after exercise (<i>P</i> = 0.007) compared to resting values. MICE promoted an increase in IFN-γ levels immediately after exercise (<i>P</i> = 0.025) and 60 min after exercise (<i>P</i> = 0.004) in relation to baseline. Both exercise conditions increased IL-6 levels up to 60 min after exercise (<i>P</i> < 0.05). The IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio decreased immediately after (<i>P</i> = 0.002) and 60 min after HIIE (<i>P</i> = 0.005) in relation to pre-exercise. No changes were found for IgA-S and TBARS for any of the conditions. <b>Conclusion:</b> A single HIIE session is able to decrease IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio, indicating an anti-inflammatory response, without alterations in the function of the mucosal immune system and lipoperoxidation. On the other hand, a brief session of MICE induced changes in the pattern of cytokines associated with increased cellular immune function.