Research paper

Effects of an Oral Ghrelin Mimetic on Body Composition and Clinical Outcomes in Healthy Older Adults

Annals of Internal Medicine

Nov 2008

DOI: 10.7326/0003-4819-149-9-200811040-00003

Citations: 157

Influential: 3

Interventional (Human) Studies

Study answer

What this study found

MK-677 significantly increased GH and IGF-I levels to those of healthy young adults and improved fat-free mass without major adverse effects. Increased appetite and mild lower extremity edema were the most common side effects. Insulin sensitivity declined, and significant changes in strength or function were not observed.

Study & population: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, modified-crossover clinical trial with 65 participants.
Intervention: Oral administration of MK-677 (25 mg) or placebo once daily over two years in healthy older adults aged 60-81.
Key limitation: Limited duration and small sample size may not sufficiently evaluate functional outcomes.

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Original abstract

Context The age-related decline of growth hormone secretion may play a role in sarcopenia and frailty. Content In this randomized trial, 65 healthy older adults were assigned to receive placebo or MK-677, an oral ghrelin mimetic that increased pulsat…