Growth Hormone Secretagogue MK-0677 Effect on IGF-1 Levels in ESRD Patients

With development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) to end stage renal disease (ESRD), malnutrition becomes an increasingly severe problem. This is thought to occur from two mechanisms: decreased appetite secondary to uremia and development of a catabolic inflammatory milieu. Patients experience decreased muscle mass and functional activity associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Many therapies to improve poor nutritional state have been used with little success. Growth hormone (GH) and insulin like growth hormone (IGF-1) improve muscle mass, quality of life, nutritional parameters, immune and physical functions but must be given parenterally and are limited by expense and patient compliance. Recently, the endogenous GH receptor secretagogue (GHRS) ghrelin has been shown to raise endogenous GH and improve food intake but must be given parenterally and is not available. The experimental drug MK-0677, a synthetic GHRS, ghrelin mimetic, which is given orally, has recently been shown to increase IGF-1 and muscle mass in the elderly. Its effects in CKD and ESRD are unknown. We will study the effects of MK-0677 on renal patients. Specifically, we hope to show that the drug increases IGF-1 in renal patients, and has similar effects to exogenous GH and IGF-1. Subjects will be ESRD hemodialysis patients. This protocol is an investigator-initiated, randomized, double-blind crossover, placebo-controlled pilot study. The study's primary outcome is IGF-1 levels for subjects. Secondary outcomes will be levels of cytokines, esterase, leptin, insulin, ghrelin, TNF-alpha, CRPs, IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, and adiponectin.