Structure-activity relationships of salicylic acid and its analogs in the inhibitory action on beta-lactamase

Nineteen compounds related to salicylic acid were evaluated for their in vitro activity of inhibiting beta-lactamase isolated from a resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and their structure-activity relationships were examined. Nitrocefin method was used. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of salicylic acid inhibiting beta-lactamase was 22 mmol x L(-1); four analogs had IC50 lower than that of salicylic acid; fifteen analogs had IC50 higher than that of salicylic acid. Examination of the structure-activity relationships of the compounds revealed that carboxyl group and adjoining hydroxyl group were active group, and replacement of adjoining hydroxyl by carboxyl increased activity nearly 4-fold. Moreover, addition of a sulfonic group at C-5 and nitro group at C-3, 5 of benzenoic ring of salicylic acid resulted in a 2-fold to 3-fold increase in activity, addition of a amino group at C-5 of benzenoic ring of salicylic acid decreased activity, add addition of -Cl or -F at C-2,4 position of benzenoic r