Association Between Apolipoprotein E Gene Polymorphisms and the Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Body Composition in University Students

Why It Matters

Identifying rs405509‑GG responders enables more precise, gender‑aware exercise prescriptions, potentially enhancing obesity‑prevention strategies in young adults.

Key Takeaways

• rs405509 GG genotype linked to higher baseline BMI
• GG carriers lose more body fat after 12‑week HIIT
• Female GG participants show greatest weight and BMI reductions
• No significant differences between GT and TT genotypes
• APOE promoter variant may guide personalized HIIT programs

Pulse Analysis

Obesity among Chinese youth continues to rise, prompting researchers to explore efficient interventions such as high‑intensity interval training (HIIT). While HIIT reliably improves body composition, individual responses vary widely, hinting at underlying genetic factors. Recent genome‑wide efforts have highlighted loci like NNMT and ADCY3, yet the role of apolipoprotein E (APOE) – a key regulator of lipid transport and inflammation – remained unclear until this focused study on university students.

The investigation genotyped 236 participants and tracked weight, BMI, and body‑fat percentage before and after a 12‑week HIIT regimen. The rs405509 promoter polymorphism stood out: individuals with the GG genotype started with higher BMI and, after training, shed significantly more body fat and weight than GT or TT carriers. Notably, female GG carriers exhibited the strongest reductions, suggesting a sex‑specific interaction possibly driven by estrogen‑mediated modulation of APOE expression. Mechanistically, the G allele boosts APOE transcription, enhancing lipid clearance and dampening inflammation, thereby creating a metabolic environment more receptive to HIIT‑induced fat loss.

These findings carry practical weight for fitness professionals and public‑health planners. By incorporating rs405509 genotyping, programs can target those most likely to benefit from HIIT, optimizing resource allocation and improving outcomes for at‑risk youth. Future research should expand to diverse ethnic groups, include control arms, and monitor dietary intake to validate and refine genotype‑guided exercise prescriptions. As precision health matures, integrating genetic insights like APOE rs405509 into routine fitness assessments could become a cornerstone of personalized preventive medicine.