The present invention relates to the peptide (arg0) n-angiotensin-(1-7) [(arg0) n-Ang-(1-7)], where n is 1 to 10 (Xaa-Asp-Arg-Val-Tyr-Ile-His-Pro SEQ ID NO:1 where Xaa represents 1 to 10 L-Arg residues), which is produced by inserting at least one arginine amino acid at the amino terminal position of Ang-(1-7), as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing this peptide and the use thereof for the treatment or prevention of diseases or disorders that are due or associated with reduced nitric oxide production. Non-limiting examples of these diseases or disorders are cardiopulmonary and liver diseases, vascular disorders, metabolic disorders, neural disorders, genito-urinary tract disorders, skeletal muscle disorders, kidney disorders, skin disorders, alopecia or tumors. The peptide is able to cause, for example, dilation of aortic and mesenteric vessels, reduction of mean arterial blood pressure, decrease of body weight gain, blockade of the development of visceral adiposity, reduced serum and liver cholesterol levels, the normalization of glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, and an anti-proliferative effect. The peptides of the invention, such as (arg0) n-Ang-(1-7), optionally can be associated with a carrier system or controlled drug release system.
