Combined high-intensity interval training and Spirulina supplementation synergistically improve inflammatory and lipid-associated biomarkers in men with obesity

Delfan, M., Zeidi, A. H. N., Kashani, F. R., Zeynali, F., Juybari, R. A., Rahimpour, M., Willems, M. E. T., Saeidi, A. and Zouhal, H. (2026) Combined high-intensity interval training and Spirulina supplementation synergistically improve inflammatory and lipid-associated biomarkers in men with obesity. Nutrition Research. pp. 1-46. ISSN 0271-5317 (In Press)

[thumbnail of Delfan, M. et al, Combined high-intensity interval training and Spirulina supplementation synergistically improve inflammatory and lipid-associated biomarkers in men with obesity, Nutrition Research, Published by Elsevier Inc.] Text (Delfan, M. et al, Combined high-intensity interval training and Spirulina supplementation synergistically improve inflammatory and lipid-associated biomarkers in men with obesity, Nutrition Research, Published by Elsevier Inc.)
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Abstract

The present research assessed the efficacy of 12-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and blue-green algae (Spirulina) consumption on pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors (Dectin-1, IL-1β, and IL-10), along with lipid-associated signaling elements (ApoM and S1P) in obesity. We hypothesized that 12-week intervention combining HIIT and Spirulina consumption will demonstrate superior efficacy than HIIT or Spirulina alone on plasma concentrations of pro- and anti-inflammatory factors and lipid-associated signaling molecules in men with obesity. Sixty-four men with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m², 20-35 years) were randomly allocated to four treatment groups: control placebo (CP), blue-algae (BA), HIIT + placebo (HIIT+P), or HIIT + blue-algae (HIIT+BA). The treatment consisted of three weekly sessions of HIIT protocols, daily intake of 6 grams of capsulated Spirulina, or simultaneous implementation of both interventions. Plasma biomarkers (Dectin-1, IL-1β, IL-10, ApoM, and S1P), anthropometric measurements, cardiorespiratory assessments, and lipid profiles were examined at baseline and after the 12-week intervention. Statistical analyses demonstrated an elevation in plasma concentrations of IL-10 and ApoM, along with a reduction in concentrations of IL-1β in the BA, HIIT+P, and HIIT+BA groups (p < 0.05), with the most pronounced changes observed in the HIIT+BA. Also, an increase in S1P concentrations was observed in the HIIT+P and HIIT+BA groups (p = 0.03, p = 0.003, respectively). A decrease in Dectin-1 concentrations post-intervention was found only in the HIIT+BA group (p = 0.03). In conclusion, while HIIT and/or Spirulina have shown potential for targeting lipid- and inflammation-associated markers in obesity, combining these interventions demonstrates superior efficacy for certain parameters

Publication Type: Articles
Uncontrolled Keywords: adipose tissue, chronic disease, metabolic disorders, blue-green algae, physical activity
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV201 Physical education and training
Q Science > QP Physiology
Q Science > QR Microbiology
Q Science > QR Microbiology > QR180 Immunology
R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Divisions: Academic Areas > Institute of Sport
Research Entities > Centre for Health and Allied Sport and Exercise Science Research (CHASER)
SWORD Depositor: Publications Router Jisc
Depositing User: Publications Router Jisc
Date Deposited: 04 Mar 2026 09:03
Last Modified: 04 Mar 2026 09:07
URI: https://eprints.chi.ac.uk/id/eprint/8526

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