Oral MK-677 Boosts Growth Hormone in GH-Deficient Adults, Even Those Severely Deficient
Oral MK-677 stimulated the GH/IGF-I axis in severely GH-deficient adults, though responses varied and depended on residual pituitary function.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Oral MK-677 stimulated GH and IGF-I in selected severely GH-deficient adults, with responses dependent on residual pituitary secretory capacity.
Key Numbers
How They Did This
Nine severely GH-deficient men (peak GH to insulin: 1.2 ± 1.5 µg/L, range 0.02-4.79) received oral MK-677. GH and IGF-I responses were measured.
Why This Research Matters
If MK-677 can stimulate GH production in GH-deficient patients, some could potentially switch from daily GH injections to an oral pill, dramatically improving quality of life.
The Bigger Picture
This study demonstrated the potential for oral MK-677 as an alternative to GH injections in selected GH-deficient adults, depending on their residual pituitary function.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Very small study (9 patients). Only men. Severely GH-deficient population limits generalizability. Variable responses suggest patient selection criteria are needed.
Questions This Raises
- ?What level of residual pituitary function is needed for MK-677 to work?
- ?Could MK-677 replace GH injections in patients with partial GH deficiency?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Oral GH stimulation in deficiency MK-677 boosted GH/IGF-I in adults with peak GH as low as 0.02-4.79 µg/L, depending on residual pituitary capacity
- Evidence Grade:
- Moderate clinical evidence from a small but well-characterized GH-deficient population. Variable responses highlight the need for patient selection.
- Study Age:
- Published in 1997, this study expanded MK-677's clinical evidence from healthy subjects to GH-deficient patients.
- Original Title:
- Oral administration of growth hormone (GH) releasing peptide-mimetic MK-677 stimulates the GH/insulin-like growth factor-I axis in selected GH-deficient adults.
- Published In:
- The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 82(10), 3455-63 (1997)
- Authors:
- Chapman, I M(3), Pescovitz, O H(2), Murphy, G(4), Treep, T, Cerchio, K A, Krupa, D, Gertz, B, Polvino, W J, Skiles, E H, Pezzoli, S S, Thorner, M O
- Database ID:
- RPEP-00400
Evidence Hierarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can MK-677 work if you're severely GH-deficient?
It depends. MK-677 stimulates the pituitary to release GH it has already produced. If the pituitary retains some function (even in severe deficiency), MK-677 can boost GH output. But if the pituitary is completely non-functional, MK-677 has nothing to stimulate.
Could this replace GH injections?
For some patients with partial pituitary function, possibly. An oral pill is far more convenient than daily injections. However, patients with complete GH deficiency (no residual pituitary function) would still need GH replacement injections.
Read More on RethinkPeptides
Cite This Study
https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/RPEP-00400APA
Chapman, I M; Pescovitz, O H; Murphy, G; Treep, T; Cerchio, K A; Krupa, D; Gertz, B; Polvino, W J; Skiles, E H; Pezzoli, S S; Thorner, M O. (1997). Oral administration of growth hormone (GH) releasing peptide-mimetic MK-677 stimulates the GH/insulin-like growth factor-I axis in selected GH-deficient adults.. The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 82(10), 3455-63.
MLA
Chapman, I M, et al. "Oral administration of growth hormone (GH) releasing peptide-mimetic MK-677 stimulates the GH/insulin-like growth factor-I axis in selected GH-deficient adults.." The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 1997.
RethinkPeptides
RethinkPeptides Research Database. "Oral administration of growth hormone (GH) releasing peptide..." RPEP-00400. Retrieved from https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/chapman-1997-oral-administration-of-growth
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkPeptides research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.