Dihydropyridine derivatives as bioprotectors

Depending on the chemical structure peculiarities 1,4-dihydropyridines possess electron/hydrogen donor, peptide type and lipid-like characteristics and many regulatory activities: neuro- and radio- protection, anti-mutagenic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-ischaemic/anti-anginal and anti-hypertensive actions, as well as growth stimulating and gene transfection properties. These effects appear mostly in low concentrations/doses and show a long-term manifestation. Green chemistry approaches and chemoenzymatic transformations have been used for synthesis of novel bioprotective compounds. This mini-review comprises mainly the data obtained at the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis.