MK-677 and Sleep
MK-677 has more robust effects on sleep than any of the GHRPs. Research in young adults shows that MK-677 increases stage 4 sleep duration by 50% and increase REM sleep by 20%. In older adults, the results are even more profound, with REM sleep increasing by as much as 50% and REM latency decreasing substantially[11].

Stage 4 sleep is generally considered to be the most restful stage of sleep and critical to preserving waking brain function. Stage 4 is also when most serious tissue repair and wound healing takes place. In children, it may be associated with growth and development. Prolonging this stage of sleep could be beneficial to muscle recovery, brain function, and development. REM sleep isn’t clearly understood, but we know that babies spend half their sleep time in REM and that this number declines with age. REM may be critical in the consolidation and reinforcement of memories, but no one really knows. The ability to prolong REM in animal models could make MK-677 a important tool for understanding the functions of sleep better than we ever have before.

MK-677 and Heart Health

It has long been known that aging leads to impairment of stem cell function. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are stem cells important in the regeneration of blood vessels. A decline in EPCs has been thought to be a risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis, which can lead to high blood pressure and heart attack among other problems. Research in mice shows that increased GH levels can help to reverse the age-related decline in EPCs and may therefore be useful in preventing heart disease[12], [13]. Further supporting the importance of GH in cardiac health is that fact the nitric oxide levels decline with age. Nitric oxide (NO) is an important regulator of blood vessel health and is critical in controlling blood pressure. GH treatment has been shown to increase NO synthase expression and thus NO levels in mice.[14] This could ultimately be an effective way to regulate blood pressure and reduce risk of a number of cardiac diseases, kidney disease, and even stroke.

MK-677 Summary

MK-677 is a non-peptide ghrelin/growth hormone secretagogue agonist that has been shown to raise GH and IGF-1 levels in both animal and human testing. The compound has gone through several human clinical trials and is generally considered to be safe and relatively free of side effects, though it has not yet been approved for human use outside of clinical trials. Research in both animals and humans shows that MK-677 may have important benefits for appetite, body composition, muscle strength, cardiac health, and neurologic function. Studies have shown that MK-677 may have particular benefit in promoting vascular health and helping to stave off some of the most prevalent diseases in industrial societies (e.g. atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, etc.). MK-677 also appears to have profound and beneficial effects on sleep quality. It may not only provide an effect means of improving sleep quality and probing the finer details of the sleep cycle, but it’s ability to improve sleep may help to explain some of its neurological benefits. More research needs to take place in this arena, but MK-677 shows exceptionally promising benefits in improving sleep quality. Interestingly, research seems to suggest that the greatest benefits of MK-667 are derived when it is taken for long periods of time as a preventative. Research may help to shed light on this particular phenomenon and set the stage for MK-677 and similar developments to act as preventatives for some of the most devastating diseases associated with age. MK-677 exhibits minimal side effects, good oral and excellent subcutaneous bioavailability in mice. Per kg dosage in mice does not scale to humans. MK-677 for sale at Peptide Sciences is limited to educational and scientific research only, not for human consumption. Only buy MK-677 if you are a licensed researcher.

Article Author

The above literature was researched, edited and organized by Dr. E. Logan, M.D. Dr. E. Logan holds a doctorate degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and a B.S. in molecular biology.

Scientific Journal Author

Ralf M Nass, MD attended medical school at University of Bochum, Germany, and completed my residency and fellowship at University of Munich, Germany and University of Virginia (neuroendocrinology). He specialized in Endocrinology with focus on diabetes mellitus (inpatient and outpatient), thyroid disease, pituitary disease, and PCOS. In my life outside of work, I enjoy the outdoors, hiking and sports. Ralf M Nass, MD is being referenced as one of the leading scientists involved in the research and development of MK-677 (Ibutamoren). In no way is this doctor/scientist endorsing or advocating the purchase, sale, or use of this product for any reason. There is no affiliation or relationship, implied or otherwise, between Peptide Sciences and this doctor. The purpose of citing the doctor is to acknowledge, recognize, and credit the exhaustive research and development efforts conducted by the scientists studying this peptide. Ralf M Nass, MD is listed in [2] under the referenced citations.