The effect of eight weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on mir-27a levels and serum c-reactive protein (CRP) concentration in middle-aged obese men

Obesity is known as a hazardous factor for many diseases including cardiovascular ones. Since the effect of exercise training on microRNAs (miRNA) related to obesity, especially mir-27a, has rarely been investigated; Therefore, the current research was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of eight high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on mir-27a levels and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration in obese men.

A total of 24 middle-aged obese men (BMI>30 and 44.07±4 years) volunteered were randomly divided into training (n=12) and control (n=12) groups. The training group performed eight weeks of HIIT in a circuit training (High Knee Jog, Jumping jack, burpee, kettlebell snatch, and goblet squat) at an intensity of 80-90% of the Karvonen heart rate (first four weeks: three sessions per week, second four weeks: four sessions per week). Mir-27a and CRP indices were measured in blood samples taken from subjects 48 hours before and after the last training session. Then, the data were analyzed by using independent and paired t-tests.

Eight weeks of HIIT training significantly reduced mir-27a and CRP levels as compared to the control group (P <0.05).

Doing exercise, especially HIIT training one, can apparently reduce mir-27 and CRP and possibly prevent the metabolic diseases by counteracting inflammation caused by obesity.