Genome protecting and genotoxic effects produced by derivatives of 1,4-dihydropyridine

The review summarizes data on genome protecting and genotoxic action of 1,4-dihydropyridines (DHP) with main focus on the compounds synthesized in the Latvian Institute of Organic synthesis. Most of these compounds manifest very low calcium channel blocking activity, thus considered to be “unusual” 1,4-DHP. Some of these compounds decrease spontaneous mutagenesis and frequency of mutations induced by chemical mutagens. Some water-soluble 1,4-DHP protect DNA against damage produced by hydrogen peroxide, radiation and peroxynitrite. In these molecules capability to protect DNA cohabitates with DNA-binding activity. Possible mechanisms of above effects are discussed.