Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of six weeks high intensity interval training (HIT)
on protein expression of Melanocortin 1 Receptor (MC1R) of monocytes and plasma levels of melanocyte
stimulating hormone alpha (∝-MSH) in overweight men. Methodology: Twenty sedentary overweight students with
average age of 25.2 ± 1.88 years, Vo2max 41.9 ± 4.28 ml.kg-1.min-1, Body fat 25.6±3.1 percent and BMI 27.3± 1.63
kg/m² were randomly assigned to HIT (n=10) and control (n=11) group. Fasting blood samples, body fat percentage
and BMI measurement were taken before and after 6 weeks of training. HIT group complete 8 intervals (300 meter
with %100-110 vVO2max and rest interval ratio 2-1) on the treadmill for 3 d/wk and for 6 weeks that every two
week one interval and five percent adds to training intensity and the control group had no activity during the test.
Diet of subject was control before begin the study. Results: ANOVA with repeated measures indicated body fat
percentage (P=0.001), body weight (P=0.002), and BMI (P=0.005) significantly decreased and protein expression of
MC1R of monocytes increased significantly (P=0.001) in the HIT group after 6 weeks of training. Although
increment in ∝-MSH was non-significant in the experimental group after 6 weeks of training. Conclusions: HIT
training increased protein expression of MC1R of monocytes significantly in overweight individuals and may be
important in the prevention and control of inflammation and chronic diseases in overweight men by development of
anti-inflammatory effects by MC1R. We suggest further research into the effect of HIT by overweight individuals
on ∝-MSH and MC1R levels are conducted with large population samples and the protocols outlined in the current
study.