Inter-individual responses to sprint interval training, a pilot study investigating interactions with the sirtuin system

Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (characterised by impaired glucose control) is increasing in the UK (~3.7 million type 2 diabetics and ~7 million pre-diabetics). This is attributed to lack of physical activity, excess weight and genetic factors. High intensity interval training (HIIT) is a time-efficient exercise regime that improves blood glucose control and may be a useful public health tool. The sirtuins and associated genes involved in producing the chemical, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), required for sirtuin function in the body, are emerging as key players in blood glucose control. This study investigated the interplay between the sirtuin/NAD system and individual variation in insulin sensitivity responses after HIIT in young healthy individuals (n=20). Body mass, height and fat percentage were measured and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) performed pre and post HIIT. Blood gene expression profiles were measured using an in-house custom designed assay, the hSIRTNADPlex. The hSIRTNADPlex incorporated all 7 mammalian sirtuin genes and 15 enzymes involved in conversion of tryptophan, bioavailable vitamin B3 and metabolic precursors to NAD. NAD/NADP was measured in whole blood. Significant reductions in body weight and body fat post-HIIT were associated with altered lipid profiles, NAD/NADP and regulation of components of the sirtuin/NAD system (NAMPT, NMNAT1, CD38 and ABCA1). Variable improvements in measured metabolic health parameters were achieved. Further investigation of the causes of the marked inter-individual variation in observed responses to HIIT will be critical in formulating optimal public health messages for HIIT and potentially other forms of exercise.
Year
2018
Category
Refereed journal
Output Tags
RD 3.2.2 Dietary components of healthy diets and their effects (RESAS 2016-21)
Theme 3: Health and Wellbeing (RESAS 2016-21)