The present invention relates to the unexpected finding that vessels
smaller than even the smallest arteries (i.e. arterioles) thicken, become
dysfunctional and cause end organ damage to tissues as diverse as the
brain and the kidney. This invention provides a method to improve the
structure and function of arterioles and preserve the function of end
organs such as the brain and kidney. In certain embodiments, the methods
involve administering to a human having thickened arterioles in brain,
kidney or alveoli a peptide that ranges in length up to 30 amino acids,
and that comprises a class A amphipathic helix, and bears at least one
protecting group.