USE OF MAS G-PROTEIN-COUPLED RECEPTOR AGONISTS AND ANTAGONISTS AS APOPTOTIC ACTIVITY MODULATORS FOR PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF DISEASES

The present invention is characterized by the use of Mas G- protein-coupled receptor agonists and antagonists as apoptotic activity modulators for study , prevention and treatment of diseases. It is further characterized by the use of Mas G-protein-coupled receptor agonist and antagonists for modulation of the apoptotic activity involving alterations in the activity of the protein kinase B/Akt. Another characteristic of the invention is the use of Mas G- protein-coupled receptor agonists and antagonists, including the Ang- (1-7) peptide and its analogues, agonists and antagonists, either peptidic or non- peptidic, as modulators of apoptotic activity for study, prevention and treatment of degenerative diseases of organs and systems, as an auxiliary measure for organs transplantation, treatment with embryonic, non- embryonic stem cells, re-implantation of organs and tissues and other treatments that need temporary or chronic reduction of the apoptotic activity, not limitativ e. The invention further claims the use of Mas G-protein-coupled receptor agonists and antagonists, including the Angiotensin-(1-7) peptide and its analogues, agonists and antagonists, either peptidic or non-peptidic, formulated with pharmaceutically and pharmacologically acceptable excipients or carriers, as modulators of the apoptotic activity.