MK-677 Improves Cholesterol Profile in Obese Men But Raises Some Lipids Too
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.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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.
Key Numbers
How They Did This
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.
Why This Research 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.
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.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?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?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Mixed lipid effects HDL and Lp(a) improved (beneficial) but LDL and triglycerides worsened — cardiovascular monitoring important during MK-677 use
- Evidence Grade:
- Strong evidence from a well-designed RCT with comprehensive lipid measurements, providing clear data on MK-677's cardiovascular lipid effects.
- Study Age:
- Published in 1999. GH secretagogue cardiovascular effects continue to be studied, with lipid monitoring recommended.
- Original Title:
- Treatment of obese subjects with the oral growth hormone secretagogue MK-677 affects serum concentrations of several lipoproteins, but not lipoprotein(a).
- Published In:
- The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 84(6), 2028-33 (1999)
- Authors:
- Svensson, J(6), Jansson, J O(4), Ottosson, M, Johannsson, G, Taskinen, M R, Wiklund, O, Bengtsson, B A
- Database ID:
- RPEP-00565
Evidence Hierarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MK-677 good or bad for cholesterol?
Both. It raised HDL (good) cholesterol and lowered Lp(a) (a cardiovascular risk marker), which are beneficial. But it also raised LDL and triglycerides, which are unfavorable. The net cardiovascular effect is unclear.
Should I monitor cholesterol while using MK-677?
Yes. This study shows MK-677 significantly affects blood lipids. Anyone using it should have their cholesterol monitored to ensure any unfavorable changes are caught and managed.
Read More on RethinkPeptides
Cite This Study
https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/RPEP-00565APA
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.
MLA
Svensson, J, et al. "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, 1999.
RethinkPeptides
RethinkPeptides Research Database. "Treatment of obese subjects with the oral growth hormone sec..." RPEP-00565. Retrieved from https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/svensson-1999-treatment-of-obese-subjects
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.