The effect of continuous training and intermittent calorie restriction (ICR) on miR-146a gene expression and TNF-α and IL-6 levels in obese women

Obesity is a multifactorial disease in which environmental and genetic factors are involved. Disrupting homeostasis of lipid metabolism can cause multiple disorders. Among different mechanisms that cause interpersonal differences in obesity, epigenetic factors play a key role in the expression of related genes. Also, the effect of continuous training with caloric restriction on the levels of some inflammatory cytokines has not been seriously investigated. Therefore, the present study aimed to study the effect of continuous training along with intermittent caloric restriction (ICR) on miR-146a expression and TNF-α and IL-6 of peripheral blood in obese women.

27 obese middle-aged women participated for eight weeks in the three groups of homogeneous control, ICR and continuous training with ICR. The expression level of miR-146a and plasma levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were assessed 72 hours before and after exercise. Data were analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk tests, repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests at α<0.05.

The results showed a significant increase in the expression level of miR-146a and a decrease in TNF-α and IL-6 levels in the training with ICR group (P <0.05). But in the ICR group, the decrease in IL6 and TNF-α was not significant as compared to control group (P> 0.05).

Continuous training and ICR increases miR-146a gene expression. Remarkably, when continuous training is associated with ICR, this effect is multiplied and plays a key role in decreasing chronic inflammation (TNF-α and IL-6).