Nov. 20, 2008 -- They might not have exactly the same spring in their step as teenagers, but older folks taking an experimental once-a-day pill have roughly the same hormone levels as teenagers. Hormones aren't the main point, however. The drug increases human growth hormone levels, which makes people grow taller, build muscle, and strengthen bones, among other myriad effects. Researchers hope that the drug, MK-677, will improve the quality of life for older patients, who lose muscle mass as they age, limiting their independence and creating medical problems. "We want to extend the time that people are healthy," said Michael Thorner, a doctor at the University of Virginia who lead the study. "It's clear that this drug won't be a substitute for good nutrition and exercise, but together this drug could have very beneficial effects." MK-677, a Merck product, mimics the effects of ghrelin, a hormone produced naturally by the stomach that also stimulates the secretion of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. Teenagers max out on levels of human growth hormone. After that levels steadily drop. By age 30 levels of human growth hormone have decreased by about 50 percent, and they continue to drop as we age. Related Content: How Stuff Works: Causes of Aging Eric Bland's Blog: Interior Design Anti-Aging Pill Makes Mice Mighty If the body doesn't produce enough growth hormone, either because of age or because of another problem, daily injections of growth hormone can cause a person to grow and develop more normally, but are expensive and painful. MK-677 could eventually replace the daily injections if proven to be safe. As part of the effort to prove that MK-677 should be approved for patients, Thorner and his colleagues started out with 65 healthy patients between the ages of 60 and 81. They divided them into three groups. One-third took a placebo. Two-thirds were on MK-677. After the first year, everyone was put on MK-677. After one year, the group on the placebo lost an average of just over one pound of weight. The group taking the MK-677 actually gained 2.2 pounds of muscle. Overall the two groups differed by about 3.3 pounds after one year. The study is ongoing. That 3.3 extra pounds a year should provide additional support before a fall and extra cushioning during a fall. And if a patients takes the drug for many years, the accumulated muscle buildup would help improve the overall quality of life. Just because a patient has more muscle doesn't mean they can use that muscle. The scientists proved that healthy older patients can regain, or at least, stave off, muscle loss. They didn't prove that patients on MK-677 could walk faster or lift more, the things that lead to a better life of greater independence or greater protection during a fall. Get More NewsSpiders, Scorpions Among World's Oldest CreaturesMany creepy crawlies have been on Earth much longer than previously believed.Blood-Sucking Vampire Bats Sing DuetsWhite-winged vampire bats "harmonize" with separated roost mates.Oldest Hebrew Writing Possibly FoundAncient inscriptions on a 3,000-year-old pottery shard could make history.Rare, Prehistoric-Age Reptile Found in N.Z.A tuatara has been spotted on the New Zealand mainland for the first time in 200 years.Iceman Has No Living RelativesOetzi, the 5,300 year-old frozen mummy, left no living genetic legacy.SLIDE SHOW: Landscapes of TerrorWhat makes a place feel scary? There are scientific explanations.It's Official: People Are Warming the PolesHumans are conclusively to blame for polar warming, say scientists.Eight-Armed Animal Preceded DinosaursWhat may be one of Earth's first animals was no bigger than a coaster and had eight arms.Phoenicians Live on in People's GenesOne in 17 Mediterranean men may be descended from ancient Phoenicians.Pesticides, Fertilizers Linked to Frog DeclineA pesticide is found to promote parasites among amphibians.Hubble Telescope Taking Photos AgainThe Hubble Space Telescope is once again snapping stunning photos of the universe.Andean Mummy Hairs Show Hallucinogen UseScientists find direct evidence of hallucinogenic drug use among ancient Andeans.Opals on Mars Reveal Planet's Long Wet PastOpals found on Mars suggest the planet has been wet for much longer. |
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