High‐Intensity Interval Training Modulates NLRP3 Inflammasome‐Related Expression and Monocyte Subset Distribution in Adults With Obesity: A Randomised Trial

ABSTRACT To evaluate whether high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) modulates NLRP3 inflammasome expression, monocyte subtypes and chemokine receptor profiles in adults with obesity. Prospective randomised controlled trial. Sedentary adults with obesity ( n = 109, 82.6% women), aged 18–60 years, were randomised to an 8‐week HIIT programme (three sessions/week) or to a nontrained control group. Expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome, characterisation of monocyte subset distribution and chemokine receptor expression (CCR2, CCR5 and CX3CR1) were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks by flow cytometry. Intermediate monocytes increased within the control group ( p = 0.006) but remained unchanged after HIIT and were significantly higher in the control than in the trained group at T1 ( p = 0.014). Nonclassical monocytes increased within the trained group ( p = 0.016) and decreased within the control group ( p = 0.018). NLRP3 expression in circulating monocytes increased within the control group after 8 weeks ( p = 0.028), with no significant change within the trained group; however, the between‐group comparison at T1 was not significant ( p = 0.857). Expression of CCR2 in intermediate monocytes increased within the control group, with no significant changes after HIIT. HIIT was associated with prevention of the shift toward a pro‐inflammatory monocyte profile—most robustly, a between‐group difference in intermediate monocytes. These findings suggest a modulatory role of exercise on monocyte‐driven inflammatory responses, independent of changes in body composition, in a predominantly female cohort. Trial Registration: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials—ReBEC number RBR‐8vfxfqd.