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Physical InactivityNCT07771075

High-Intensity Interval Training and Monocyte Epigenetic Adaptation After Detraining

A study testing High-Intensity Interval Training and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training in people with Physical Inactivity, run by Saif Rasheed Ghanim at 1 site in Iraq.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

This randomized, work-matched training-detraining-rechallenge study evaluated whether repeated high-intensity interval training produces persistent functional and epigenetic adaptations in human monocytes. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 30 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Physical Inactivity
What is being tested?
High-Intensity Interval Training and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
80 participants
Where
1 siteIraq
Study dates
14 Jan 2025to 2 Jul 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 30 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Men and women aged 18-30 years. Healthy adults. Physically inactive, defined as participating in less than 150 minutes per week of structured moderate-to-vigorous exercise during the preceding 6 months.

Who cannot join

  • Major cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, renal, endocrine, inflammatory, autoimmune, or hematological disease.
  • Current tobacco use. Current use of relevant immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, corticosteroid, or cardiovascular medications.
  • Acute infection within 4 weeks before baseline assessment. Musculoskeletal contraindications to maximal cycling exercise. Pregnancy or lactation.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Iraq1 site
  • Exercise Physiology Laboratory, College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Samarra

    Samarra, Muhafazat Salah ad Din

Other trials in Iraq

About this study

Official title: Repeated High-Intensity Exercise Induces Persistent H3K18 Lactylation and Trained Immunity in Human Monocytes: A Randomized Work-Matched Training-Detraining-Rechallenge Trial

This randomized, work-matched training-detraining-rechallenge study evaluated whether repeated high-intensity interval training produces persistent functional and epigenetic adaptations in human monocytes. Eighty healthy physically inactive adults aged 18-30 years were randomly assigned in a 2:2:1 ratio to high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity continuous training (MCT), or a non-training control group. HIIT and MCT completed 6 weeks of supervised cycling training matched for external mechanical work, followed by 4 weeks without prescribed structured training. All groups subsequently completed a standardized 30-minute cycling rechallenge. The primary outcome was the between-group difference in change in ex-vivo LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha release from baseline to the post-detraining assessment. Secondary outcomes included IL-6 release, H3K18 lactylation, monocyte subset distribution, blood lactate exposure, chromatin accessibility, H3K18la CUT\&Tag occupancy, and RNA-seq transcriptional profiling.

Read the detailed description

Participants completed baseline cardiopulmonary exercise testing to determine peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and maximal aerobic power (MAP). Eligible participants were randomized to HIIT, MCT, or Control. The HIIT intervention consisted of 4 × 4-minute cycling intervals at 85% MAP separated by active recovery at 40% MAP, with standardized warm-up and cool-down periods. The MCT intervention consisted of continuous cycling at 55% MAP for a duration selected to match the external mechanical work of the HIIT sessions. Both exercise groups trained three times per week for 6 weeks.

Blood and monocyte assessments were performed at baseline (T0), 72 hours after the final training session (T1), after 4 weeks without prescribed structured training (T2_PRE), and 120 minutes after a standardized 30-minute cycling rechallenge at 60% of baseline MAP (T3_POST).

Classical monocytes were isolated and stimulated ex vivo with ultrapure Escherichia coli O111:B4 lipopolysaccharide (10 ng/mL) for 24 hours. TNF-alpha was the prespecified primary functional outcome, with IL-6 as a key secondary outcome. Epigenetic and molecular analyses included global H3K18 lactylation, ATAC-seq chromatin accessibility profiling, H3K18la CUT\&Tag, and RNA-seq. Blood lactate kinetics and cumulative lactate exposure across the training intervention were also assessed.

The primary comparison was HIIT versus MCT. The Control group served as a supportive non-training reference. Longitudinal outcomes were analyzed using mixed models for repeated measures under the intention-to-treat principle.

Being tested
High-Intensity Interval Training, Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training
Keywords
High-Intensity Interval Training, Histone Lactylation, H3K18la, Monocytes, Trained Immunity, Innate Immunity, Blood Lactate, Epigenetics
Medical subject headings
Sedentary Behavior

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • High-Intensity Interval TrainingBehavioural

    Supervised cycling HIIT performed three sessions per week for 6 weeks. Each session included a 5-minute warm-up at 30% MAP, four 4-minute intervals at 85% MAP separated by three 3-minute active recovery periods at 40% MAP, and a 5-minute cool-down at 30% MAP.

  • Moderate-Intensity Continuous TrainingBehavioural

    Supervised moderate-intensity continuous cycling performed three sessions per week for 6 weeks. Each session included a 5-minute warm-up at 30% MAP, 31 minutes and 16 seconds of continuous cycling at 55% MAP, and a 5-minute cool-down at 30% MAP. The protocol was designed to match the external mechanical work performed by the HIIT group.

Study groups in NCT07771075
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
High-Intensity Interval TrainingExperimentalParticipants completed 6 weeks of supervised cycling high-intensity interval training, three sessions per week. Each session consisted of a 5-minute warm-up at 30% of maximal aerobic power (MAP), four 4-minute intervals at 85% MAP separated by three 3-minute active recovery periods at 40% MAP, followed by a 5-minute cool-down at 30% MAP.
Receives: Behavioral: High-Intensity Interval Training
Moderate-Intensity Continuous TrainingActive comparatorParticipants completed 6 weeks of supervised moderate-intensity continuous cycling training, three sessions per week. Each session consisted of a 5-minute warm-up at 30% of maximal aerobic power (MAP), 31 minutes and 16 seconds of continuous cycling at 55% MAP, followed by a 5-minute cool-down at 30% MAP. The protocol was designed to match the external mechanical work performed by the HIIT group.
Receives: Behavioral: Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training
ControlNo interventionParticipants received no prescribed structured exercise training during the 6-week intervention period and were instructed to maintain their habitual physical activity and lifestyle. They underwent the same study assessments as the exercise groups, including the 4-week detraining period and the standardized 30-minute cycling rechallenge.

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in LPS-Stimulated TNF-Alpha Release From Classical Monocytes

    TNF-alpha concentration (pg/mL) was measured in culture supernatants after 24-hour ex-vivo stimulation of purified classical CD14++CD16- monocytes with 10 ng/mL ultrapure Escherichia coli O111:B4 lipopolysaccharide. The primary outcome was the change from baseline (T0) to the post-detraining assessment (T2_PRE), with the primary comparison between the HIIT and MCT groups.

    Measured: Baseline (T0) and 4 weeks after completion of the 6-week training intervention (T2_PRE).

Secondary outcomes (7)
  1. Change in LPS-Stimulated IL-6 Release From Classical Monocytes

    IL-6 concentration (pg/mL) was measured in culture supernatants after 24-hour ex-vivo stimulation of purified classical CD14++CD16- monocytes with 10 ng/mL ultrapure Escherichia coli O111:B4 lipopolysaccharide. The outcome was the change from baseline (T0) to the post-detraining assessment (T2_PRE), with comparison between the HIIT and MCT groups.

    Measured: Baseline (T0) and 4 weeks after completion of the 6-week training intervention (T2_PRE).

  2. Exercise-Rechallenge Change in LPS-Stimulated TNF-Alpha Release From Classical Monocytes

    TNF-alpha concentration (pg/mL) was measured after 24-hour ex-vivo stimulation of purified classical CD14++CD16- monocytes with 10 ng/mL ultrapure Escherichia coli O111:B4 lipopolysaccharide. The outcome was the within-participant change from the post-detraining pre-rechallenge assessment (T2_PRE) to 120 minutes after the standardized exercise rechallenge (T3_POST), with the principal comparison between the HIIT and MCT groups.

    Measured: Immediately before the standardized exercise rechallenge (T2_PRE) and 120 minutes after the rechallenge (T3_POST).

  3. Exercise-Rechallenge Change in LPS-Stimulated IL-6 Release From Classical Monocytes

    IL-6 concentration (pg/mL) was measured after 24-hour ex-vivo stimulation of purified classical CD14++CD16- monocytes with 10 ng/mL ultrapure Escherichia coli O111:B4 lipopolysaccharide. The outcome was the within-participant change from the post-detraining pre-rechallenge assessment (T2_PRE) to 120 minutes after the standardized exercise rechallenge (T3_POST), with the principal comparison between the HIIT and MCT groups.

    Measured: Immediately before the standardized exercise rechallenge (T2_PRE) and 120 minutes after the rechallenge (T3_POST).

  4. Change in Monocyte H3K18 Lactylation Across Study Time Points

    Histone H3 lysine 18 lactylation (H3K18la) was quantified in purified classical CD14++CD16- monocytes and normalized to total histone H3 abundance. H3K18la was assessed to determine training-induced elevation, persistence after 4 weeks without prescribed structured training, and re-amplification following the standardized exercise rechallenge.

    Measured: Baseline (T0), 72 hours after the final training session (T1), 4 weeks after training cessation before rechallenge (T2_PRE), and 120 minutes after the standardized exercise rechallenge (T3_POST).

  5. Genome-Wide Chromatin Accessibility in Classical Monocytes

    Genome-wide chromatin accessibility was assessed by ATAC-seq in purified classical CD14++CD16- monocytes. Differentially accessible regions between the HIIT and MCT groups were identified using a false discovery rate (FDR) <0.05 and an absolute log2 fold-change >1.0.

    Measured: Four weeks after completion of the 6-week training intervention, before the standardized exercise rechallenge (T2_PRE).

  6. Genome-Wide H3K18la Occupancy in Classical Monocytes

    Genome-wide histone H3 lysine 18 lactylation (H3K18la) occupancy was profiled by CUT\&Tag in purified classical CD14++CD16- monocytes. H3K18la-enriched genomic regions were identified and their overlap with differentially accessible ATAC-seq regions was evaluated between the HIIT and MCT groups.

    Measured: Four weeks after completion of the 6-week training intervention, before the standardized exercise rechallenge (T2_PRE).

  7. Genome-Wide Differential Gene Expression in Classical Monocytes

    Genome-wide transcript abundance was assessed by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) in purified classical CD14++CD16- monocytes. Differential gene expression between the HIIT and MCT groups was evaluated using DESeq2, with differentially expressed genes defined using a false discovery rate (FDR) <0.05 and an absolute log2 fold-change >1.0.

    Measured: Four weeks after completion of the 6-week training intervention, before the standardized exercise rechallenge (T2_PRE).

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted18 Aug 2026
  2. Study start14 Jan 2025
  3. Primary completion21 Jun 2025
  4. Study completion2 Jul 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Basic science
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Participants were randomized in a 2:2:1 ratio to HIIT, MCT, or a non-training Control group and were followed in parallel through the training, detraining, and standardized exercise-rechallenge phases.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
80 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07771075
Sponsor's protocol ID
SRG-HIIT-H3K18LA-2026-01
Status last verified
Aug 2026
First submitted
13 Aug 2026
Last updated
22 Sep 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: De-identified individual participant data underlying the results reported in the primary publication will be available for sharing. Shared data may include participant characteristics, intervention allocation, longitudinal cytokine outcomes, H3K18 lactylation measures, monocyte phenotyping, and processed omics-derived variables, after removal of information that could permit participant identification.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing High-Intensity Interval Training and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training in people with Physical Inactivity, run by Saif Rasheed Ghanim at 1 site in Iraq.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 22 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Iraq. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in LPS-Stimulated TNF-Alpha Release From Classical Monocytes (time frame: Baseline (T0) and 4 weeks after completion of the 6-week training intervention (T2_PRE).). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 22 Sep 2026.

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