MK 677 Benefits
MK 677 (a.k.a. Ibutamoren, Oratrope, Crescendo) is a selective ghrelin (growth hormone secretagogue) receptor agonist. Research shows that it increases secretion of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Research has shown the major MK 677 benefit is that it activates the growth hormone axis without increasing levels of cortisol. MK 677 promotes a lean body composition by favoring muscle and bone deposition while simultaneously increasing fat burning. It is being investigated as a potential treatment for GH deficiency, certain bone and muscle conditions, disordered sleep, and as an appetite stimulant.MK 677 Structure and Bioavailability
MK 677 is a synthetic chemical propenamide derivative. It is not a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) and, despite its similarity in action to the family of growth hormone secretagogue receptor peptides, it is not a peptide. MK 677 was developed through an iterative process by serial modification of benzolactam compounds that themselves were based on the structure of GHRP-6. MK 677 is often referred to as a growth hormone secretagogue small molecule or as a metabolic modulator.Because of this unique molecular composition, one important MK 677 benefit is its enhanced oral bioavailability. Research has shown that it is one of the few GH secretagogues that can be taken by mouth rather than by SubQ or IM. Additionally, MK 677 has an extended half-life of up to 24 hours in humans[1].
MK 677 Does Not Increase Cortisol
Cortisol is a steroid hormone known to suppress inflammation and increase the production of sugar in the liver. It is an important hormone for immune function and electrolyte balance, but too much of it leads to fat deposition, bone loss, high blood sugar, immune suppression, and muscle wasting. Some growth hormone secretagogue receptor agonists can increase cortisol levels, which dampens their positive effects. One MK 677 benefit, a result of its high specificity, is that it does not increase cortisol levels. Thus, the benefits of MK 677 in stimulating the GH axis are not offset by concomitant stimulation of cortisol release.MK 677 and Testosterone
As noted above, a major MK 677 benefit is that it is not a SARM. SARMs are important and useful compounds, but they can impact natural androgen production leading to lower testosterone levels. As such, the administration of SARMS must be carefully controlled, and it is often necessary to take “breaks or holidays” to allow natural androgen production to resume. MK 677, because of its high degree of specificity and lack of androgen suppression, does not require overt monitoring or holidays.MK 677 May Slow Aging
Research shows that growth hormone levels drop drastically after the age of 20. On average, a male at 70 will have only about 60% of the growth hormone that he had at age 18. This decrease in GH levels with age is referred to as somatopause and the consequences include brittle bones, increased fat, decreased muscle mass and strength, lower energy, a diminished immune system, and dampened cognitive function. In fact, research suggests that somatopause is one of the primary drivers of aging.MK 677 is under active research for its ability to turn around the age-related decline of GH levels. Not only has this been shown to boost bone and muscle mass but increasing GH to more youthful levels has been shown to enhance libido, improve exercise tolerance, combat neurodegenerative diseases, and lessen the impact of heart disease.
MK 677 Benefits Sleep Quality
Another consequence of somatopause is a change in sleep patterns. The older we get, the less restful and restorative our sleep becomes. A lack of sleep can lead to several problems including a diminished immune response, impaired wound healing, and cognitive issues. Research shows that MK 677 benefits the sleep cycle by increasing stage 4 and REM sleep[2].Stage 4 sleep is generally thought of as the most restful and deepest stage of sleep. Research shows that adequate stage 4 sleep is critical to preserving waking brain function. The bulk of our growth, development, and wound repair occurs during stage 4 sleep.
REM sleep appears to be critical to the learning process and likely impacts memory. Research suggests that prolonging REM sleep can also reduce anxiety, irritability, depression, and other mild psychological disturbances. Insufficient REM sleep impacts eating behavior, increase aggression, and has been shown to lead to neurotransmitter imbalances.
MK 677 Benefits Heart Health
Research shows that MK 677 benefits the longevity of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). EPCs are stem cells that play an important role in the regeneration and growth of blood vessels. Decreases in EPC health are thought to put people at risk for the development of atherosclerosis and thus heart attack. Research in mice shows that reversing the age-related decline of EPCs can help to prevent heart disease[3], [4].MK 677 benefits cardiac health in a second manner by helping to increase levels of nitric oxide (NO). NO regulate blood pressure and is important in everything from erectile function to the immune response. GH treatment increases nitric oxide synthase expression which leads to an increase in NO levels. Higher levels of NO have been linked to improved blood pressure and lower risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, erectile dysfunction, and even neurodegenerative disease.
MK 677 Summary
MK 677 benefits range from heart health to immune function, bone health, erectile function, and even longevity. The compound is currently under investigation as a treatment for adult frailty. It is hoped that its simple oral administration and lack of substantial side effects will make MK 677 an effective means of warding off the physical (and perhaps mental) effects of advanced age.Continued scientific research investigating MK 677 benefits is looking at the role the metabolic modulator might play in treating or preventing Alzheimer’s disease. The primary benefit of the compound, however, is in its ability to stimulate growth hormone release and thereby increase lean body mass while reducing fat mass.
Resources
[1]R. G. Smith et al., “Peptidomimetic Regulation of Growth Hormone Secretion,” Endocr. Rev., vol. 18, no. 5, pp. 621–645, Oct. 1997, doi: 10.1210/edrv.18.5.0316.[2]G. Copinschi et al., “Prolonged oral treatment with MK-677, a novel growth hormone secretagogue, improves sleep quality in man,” Neuroendocrinology, vol. 66, no. 4, Art. no. 4, Oct. 1997, doi: 10.1159/000127249.
[3]T. Thum et al., “Age-dependent impairment of endothelial progenitor cells is corrected by growth-hormone-mediated increase of insulin-like growth-factor-1,” Circ. Res., vol. 100, no. 3, Art. no. 3, Feb. 2007, doi: 10.1161/01.RES.0000257912.78915.af.
[4]J. K. Devin et al., “Low-dose growth hormone administration mobilizes endothelial progenitor cells in healthy adults,” Growth Horm. IGF Res. Off. J. Growth Horm. Res. Soc. Int. IGF Res. Soc., vol. 18, no. 3, Art. no. 3, Jun. 2008, doi: 10.1016/j.ghir.2007.11.001.
