Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran
10.22080/jaep.2026.30826.2242
Abstract
Background and Objective: A high-fat diet leads to metabolic and cardiovascular complications through inflammatory mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and semaglutide, separately and in combination, on cardiac TNF-α and IL-6 levels in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Materials and Methods: Thirty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to five groups: normal diet, HFD, HFD + HIIT, HFD + semaglutide, and HFD + HIIT + semaglutide. The interventions were applied over eight weeks, after which cardiac tissue samples were collected. The expression levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were measured, and histological assessments were performed to evaluate structural changes. Results: The HFD group showed a significant increase in cardiac TNF-α and IL-6 levels compared to the control group. Both HIIT and semaglutide interventions independently reduced these inflammatory markers (p<0/05). However, the combined intervention group exhibited the most pronounced reduction in TNF-α and IL-6, indicating a synergistic effect (p<0/05). Histological analyses supported these findings, revealing improved cardiac structure, particularly in the combined group. Conclusion: The results suggest that integrating HIIT with semaglutide provides the most effective strategy for reducing cardiac inflammation induced by a high-fat diet. These findings highlight the importance of exercise-based interventions and introduce semaglutide as a promising cardioprotective agent with anti-inflammatory properties. Future studies are recommended to investigate the long-term effects of this combined approach in human models.
Al-farttoosi, K. R. S. , Ghanbarpour Nosrati, A. , & Khalafi, M. (2026). Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training and Semaglutide on Cardiac IL-6 and TNF-α Expression in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice. Journal of Applied Exercise Physiology, 22(43), 53-69. doi: 10.22080/jaep.2026.30826.2242
MLA
Karrar Raed Saadoon Al-farttoosi; Amir Ghanbarpour Nosrati; Mousa Khalafi. "Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training and Semaglutide on Cardiac IL-6 and TNF-α Expression in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice", Journal of Applied Exercise Physiology, 22, 43, 2026, 53-69. doi: 10.22080/jaep.2026.30826.2242
HARVARD
Al-farttoosi, K. R. S., Ghanbarpour Nosrati, A., Khalafi, M. (2026). 'Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training and Semaglutide on Cardiac IL-6 and TNF-α Expression in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice', Journal of Applied Exercise Physiology, 22(43), pp. 53-69. doi: 10.22080/jaep.2026.30826.2242
CHICAGO
K. R. S. Al-farttoosi , A. Ghanbarpour Nosrati and M. Khalafi, "Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training and Semaglutide on Cardiac IL-6 and TNF-α Expression in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice," Journal of Applied Exercise Physiology, 22 43 (2026): 53-69, doi: 10.22080/jaep.2026.30826.2242
VANCOUVER
Al-farttoosi, K. R. S., Ghanbarpour Nosrati, A., Khalafi, M. Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training and Semaglutide on Cardiac IL-6 and TNF-α Expression in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice. Journal of Applied Exercise Physiology, 2026; 22(43): 53-69. doi: 10.22080/jaep.2026.30826.2242
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