(P15-007-24) Impact of Exercise Intensity on Short Chain Fatty Acids and Other Markers of Obesity-Associated Metabolic Dysfunction

Objectives: About 40 percent of the world and US populations are now living with overweight or obesity. Given its comorbidities and rising prevalence, further research is necessary to develop effective therapeutic approaches. While exercise as a lifestyle behavior change is an effective anti-obesity approach, success depends on the prescribed plan (frequency, intensity, duration) and some host factors, such as gut microbiota composition and metabolites, such as short chain fatty acids (SCFA) which improve lipid and glucose metabolism. In this project, we assessed the effectiveness of a relatively short duration high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on markers of metabolic dysfunction in overweight and obese subjects.

Methods: In the first cohort of this clinical trial (ID: NCT05295719), we recruited 59 subjects, out of which 20 completed the study. Participants were randomly assigned to either 4-weeks of HIIT or light intensity training (LIT) program as control. Anthropometric measures were recorded, and stool and blood samples were collected before and after the exercise intervention. Short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration assessment was performed via Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS). Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA (p < .05).

Results: Mean age of participants was 37.64±3.41 years in the HIIT group and 33.89±5.13 years in the LIT group. Mean BMI was 33. 64±1.55 kg/m² in the HIIT group and 31.96±4.28 kg/m² in the LIT group. Analysis of five SCFAs (Acetic Acid, Butyric Acid, Propionic Acid, Valeric Acid and Hexanoic Acid) in stool and serum showed a significant interaction for serum butyric acid (p=.02) and a significant time interaction for increases in stool Acetic Acid in the HIIT group at week 8 (p=.03). Analysis of the lipid panel showed a significant decrease in triglyceride concentration at week 8, regardless of exercise intensity (p=.04).

Conclusions: Our preliminary data indicate that 4-weeks of exercise improve serum lipid levels and alter both stool and serum SCFA profile in individuals classified as overweight. However, further research is needed and will be powered by ongoing data collection in this clinical trial.

Funding Sources: Funded by USDA NIFA grant #2020-67034-31761