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The development of bacterial resistance to antibiotics is an increasing public health issue that worsens with the formation of biofilms. Quorum sensing (QS) orchestrates the bacterial virulence and controls the formation of biofilm. Targeting bacterial virulence is promising approach to overcome the resistance increment to antibiotics. In a previous detailed in silico study, the anti-QS activities of twenty-two β-adrenoreceptor blockers were screened supposing atenolol as a promising candidate. The current study aims to evaluate the anti-QS, anti-biofilm and anti-virulence activities of the β-adrenoreceptor blocker atenolol against Gram-negative bacteria Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus mirabilis. An in silico study was conducted to evaluate the binding affinity of atenolol to S. marcescens SmaR QS receptor, P. aeruginosa QscR QS receptor, and P. mirabilis MrpH adhesin. The atenolol anti-virulence activity was evaluated against the tested strains in vitro and in vivo. The present finding shows considerable ability of atenolol to compete with QS proteins and significantly downregulated the expression of QS- and virulence-encoding genes. Atenolol showed significant reduction in the tested bacterial biofilm formation, virulence enzyme production, and motility. Furthermore, atenolol significantly diminished the bacterial capacity for killing and protected mice. In conclusion, atenolol has potential anti-QS and anti-virulence activities against S. marcescens, P. aeruginosa, and P. mirabilis and can be used as an adjuvant in treatment of aggressive bacterial infections.

Reaction of 3‐aroyl‐1‐arylthioureas with dimethyl but‐2‐ynedioate in dichloromethane and catalyzed by triphenylphosphine at −5°C led to (Z)‐methyl 2‐[(Z)‐2‐(4‐aroylimino)‐4‐oxo‐3‐aryl‐1,3‐thiazolidin‐5‐ylidene]acetates in good yields. The mechanism is discussed. X‐ray structure analysis of one thiazolidine derivative is described. Antitumor and antioxidant activities have been investigated. One derivative of 1,3‐thiazolidine showed moderate antiproliferative in vitro activity against hepatocellular carcinoma Hep‐G2, whereas another 1,3‐thiazolidine introduced effective antioxidant activity compared to ascorbic acid.