High-Intensity Interval Training Reduces Liver Enzyme Levels and Improves MASLD-Related Biomarkers in Overweight/Obese Girls

Abstract

Background/objectives: Despite the abundant body of evidence linking high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to cardiometabolic markers, little is known about how HIIT affects liver enzymes, particularly in obese adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the effects of HIIT on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)-related biomarkers in overweight/obese adolescent girls.

Methods: Thirty-three overweight/obese adolescent girls (age, 17.0 ± 1.15 yr.; body mass index, 33.3 ± 4.77 kg/m²) were randomly assigned to HIIT (n = 17) or control (n = 16) groups. The HIIT group participated in a nine-week HIIT program (three times weekly) without caloric restriction. Maximal aerobic speed, body composition indexes, blood pressure, MASLD-related biomarkers [liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)), plasma lipids, uric acid, platelet count, and homeostasis model assessment index for insulin-resistance (HOMA-IR)] were examined at baseline and after the intervention.

Results: Significant "time × group" interactions were found for body composition indexes, systolic blood pressure, maximal aerobic speed, liver enzymes ALT and AST, plasma lipids, glucose, and HOMA-IR. The HIIT program resulted in an increase in maximal aerobic speed (p = 0.035) and a decrease in body composition and plasma lipids (p < 0.01), systolic blood pressure (p = 0.011), ALT (p = 0.013), AST (p = 0.012), and HOMA-IR (p = 0.01), but no significant changes in uric acid and platelet count. None of these markers changed in the control group.

Conclusions: HIIT resulted in an improvement in MASLD-related biomarkers. HIIT could be an effective exercise therapy to prevent and reverse MASLD in adolescents with obesity.

Keywords: insulin resistance; lipid profile; liver enzyme; nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; obesity; physical training.

Figure 1

Flowchart of study. HIIT, high-intensity interval training.

Figure 2

Changes in anthropometric, biochemical, and physical variables following a nine-week intervention program in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and control (CG) groups. ALT, alanine aminotransferase; AST, aspartate aminotransferase; BM, body mass; BF, body fat percentage; HDL-C, HDL-cholesterol; HOMA-IR, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance; LDL-C, LDL-cholesterol; MAS, maximal aerobic speed; SBP, systolic blood pressure; TG, triglyceride; WC, waist circumference. *, p < 0.05; **, p < 0.01; ***, p < 0.001 (compared to control group; t-test for independent samples).