Compositions and methods are disclosed for decreasing the amount and activity of matrix-degrading metalloproteinases (MMPs) in and around cells. The compositions and methods are useful for treating and/or preventing symptoms of diseases including but not limited to Hypertension, Type II Diabetes, and Metabolic Syndrome X. Such treatment is effected by normalizing the blood plasma's protease activity, reducing blood pressure, preventing membrane receptor cleavage, and reducing the levels of insulin resistance and oxygen free radicals in the blood stream.
