Kallikrein 7 and metabolic responses after acute aerobic exercise in inactive young adults
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v83.119603Keywords:
Aerobic exercise, Interval training, Kallikrein 7, Low-grade inflammation, MetabolismAbstract
Introduction: Kallikrein 7 (KLK7) is a protease linked to adipose inflammation, lipid metabolism, and insulin sensitivity in obesity-related low-grade inflammation. Its acute response to exercise in humans remains unclear.
Objective: To examine the immediate effects of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on circulating KLK7 and its association with metabolic responses in physically inactive young adults.
Methods: This exploratory pooled analysis included two quasi-experimental studies (MICT, n = 16; HIIT, n = 20) in adults aged 18–28 years. MICT involved 30 min at 60% heart rate reserve (HRR), while HIIT consisted of five 3-min bouts at 80% HRR interspersed with 3 min at 20% HRR. Blood samples were collected pre- and post-exercise. KLK7 was assessed by Western blot, and changes (Δ) were analyzed using correlations, multivariable regression, and principal component analysis (PCA).
Results: KLK7 levels did not change significantly after either protocol (p > 0.05). Most metabolic markers were unchanged, except for a reduction in insulin after MICT (p < 0.05). ΔTriglycerides, ΔHDL-cholesterol, and Δglycemia explained 36.6% of ΔKLK7 variance (p = 0.002). PCA suggested clustering between ΔKLK7 and metabolic variables, though with limited robustness.
Conclusion: Acute aerobic exercise did not significantly modify circulating KLK7, but its association with metabolic responses suggests a potential regulatory role. Further longitudinal studies are needed.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Amanda Simões, Francisca Pavicic, Larissa Cordova, Adriana Stuardo-Parada, León Agurto, Sofía Flores, Viviana Sandoval, Pamela Ehrenfeld, Sergio Martínez Huenchullán
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