New Approaches in Exercise Physiology

Effects of high-intensity interval training on the number of white blood cells, Myeloperoxidase, lactoferrin, elastase, and lactate in young college men

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Abbass Ghanbari-niaki 1
Amirhossein Soltani-zamani 2
Meraj Mirzaei 3
Seyed Morteza Tayebi 3

1 Exercise Biochemistry Division, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Mazandaran, Iran

2 Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Shomal, Amol, Iran

3 Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran

10.22054/nass.2026.95242.1251
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with varying durations on white blood cell count and neutrophil function markers (myeloperoxidase, lactoferrin, and elastase) in young men. Method: Thirty-six healthy, untrained males were randomly divided into four groups: control (n = 9), 15-second (n = 9), 30-second (n = 9), and 45-second (n = 9) exercise protocols. The training program consisted of six sessions over two weeks, with 1–2 days of rest between each session. Each session consisted of four to seven "all-out" Wingate tests (15, 30, or 45 seconds) on a cycle ergometer, separated by 4-minute recovery periods. Blood samples were collected before and 48 hours after the final session to measure the mentioned variables. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA and paired t-tests at a significance level of p<0.05. Results: Results showed that HIIT had no significant effect on total white blood cell or neutrophil counts compared with the control group. However, neutrophil function markers responded differently to training duration: myeloperoxidase and elastase increased significantly in all training groups, while lactoferrin decreased, especially in the 30- and 45-second protocols. Conclusion: These findings suggest that longer high-intensity exercise durations may impair neutrophil function by altering the secretion of related enzymes.

Keywords

High-intensity interval training
Myeloperoxidase
Lactoferrin
Elastase
Subjects
New Approaches in Exercise Physiology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 11 September 2026

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