MK-677 treatment improved some lipoprotein markers (increased HDL cholesterol, reduced Lp(a)) but increased total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in obese men, showing mixed cardiovascular lipid effects.
Mixed lipid effectsHDL and Lp(a) improved (beneficial) but LDL and triglycerides worsened — cardiovascular monitoring important during MK-677 use
What the researchers found
MK-677 produced mixed lipoprotein effects in obese males: beneficial increases in HDL and decreases in Lp(a), but also unfavorable increases in total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides over 8 weeks.
Why it matters
Understanding MK-677's cardiovascular lipid effects is essential for assessing its safety profile. The mixed results mean cardiovascular monitoring may be needed during MK-677 use.
How the study worked
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel study. 24 obese males (BMI >30) received MK-677 25 mg/day or placebo for 8 weeks. Comprehensive lipoprotein panel measured.
What this study cannot tell us
Short 8-week study in obese males only. Lipid changes may stabilize or reverse with longer treatment. The clinical significance of the mixed pattern is uncertain.
How to read the evidence
Strong evidence from a well-designed RCT with comprehensive lipid measurements, providing clear data on MK-677's cardiovascular lipid effects.
When this study was published
Published in 1999. GH secretagogue cardiovascular effects continue to be studied, with lipid monitoring recommended.
The bigger picture
GH's effects on lipids are complex — it activates lipid metabolism broadly. This means GH-boosting therapies may not have uniformly beneficial cardiovascular effects and need individual monitoring.
Questions still open
- Do the beneficial Lp(a) and HDL changes outweigh the LDL increase long-term?
- Does the lipid profile change with longer MK-677 treatment?
- Should statins be co-prescribed with MK-677 in obese patients?
Common questions
Is MK-677 good or bad for cholesterol?
Should I monitor cholesterol while using MK-677?
Read the original research
Treatment of obese subjects with the oral growth hormone secretagogue MK-677 affects serum concentrations of several lipoproteins, but not lipoprotein(a).
The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 84(6), 2028-33
Citation
Svensson, J; Jansson, J O; Ottosson, M; Johannsson, G; Taskinen, M R; Wiklund, O; Bengtsson, B A. (1999). Treatment of obese subjects with the oral growth hormone secretagogue MK-677 affects serum concentrations of several lipoproteins, but not lipoprotein(a).. The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 84(6), 2028-33.