DDT exposure induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of skin fibroblasts from Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin via mitochondria dysfunction

A new insight into the mechanism of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane-induced hepatotoxicity based on GSDME-mediated pyroptosis

There have been persistent concerns about the safety risks associated with DDT residues in the environment. Studies have shown that exposure to DDT or its metabolites can cause various liver diseases. However, the mechanisms of liver toxicity haven't been well studied. In our current investigation, we observed that DDT triggers pyroptosis in human liver cells (HL-7702), representing a novel form of programmed cell death. Our results delineated DDT (0-100 μM) induced pyroptosis in HL-7702 cells, which was confirmed through morphological changes, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, gasdermin E (GSDME) cleavage and Annexin-V/PI staining. Knockdown of GSDME reduced cell death and transferred the mode of cell death from pyroptosis to apoptosis. Notably, DDT exposure markedly increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, concurrent with c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation. Intervention with a ROS inhibitor or JNK inhibitor SP600125 restored cell viability and hindered GSDME-mediated pyroptosis. Our results firstly demonstrate that DDT suppresses HL-7702 cells growth by inducing pyroptosis mainly through the ROS/JNK/GSDME pathway. These findings not only contribute to an in-depth understanding of DDT toxicity but also open avenues for gaining valuable insights into potential mitigation strategies and therapeutic interventions.

Do dietary exposures to multi-class endocrine disrupting chemicals translate into health risks for Gangetic dolphins? An assessment and way forward

Dietary exposure risks of 39 multi-class Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) to the threatened Gangetic dolphins (Platanista gangetica) were investigated in a conservation-priority segment of the Ganga River. Elevated EDCs bioaccumulation was observed across prey fish species, with di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) significantly contributing to the EDC burden. The concentrations of persistent organochlorines in prey revealed a shift from dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to non-dioxin-like PCBs. The prevalence of regulated p,p' DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) and γ-HCH (Lindane) residues suggests regional non-compliance with regulatory standards. The concentration of some EDCs is dependent on the habitat, foraging behavior, trophic level and fish growth. The potential drivers of EDCs contamination in catchment includes agriculture, vehicular emissions, poor solid waste management, textile industry, and high tourist influx. Risk quotients (RQs) based on toxicity reference value were generally below 1, while the RQ derived from the reference dose highlighted a high risk to Gangetic dolphins from DEHP, DDT, DnBP, arsenic, PCBs, mercury, and cadmium, emphasizing the need for their prioritization within monitoring programs. The study also proposes a monitoring framework to provide guidance on monitoring and assessment of chemical contamination in Gangetic dolphin and habitats.

Organohalogen contaminants threaten the survival of indo-pacific humpback dolphin calves in their largest habitat

As long-lived apex predators, marine mammal adults often accumulate alarmingly levels of environmental contaminants. Nevertheless, the accumulation and risks of these contaminants in the critical calf stage of marine mammals remain largely unknown. Here, we investigated the exposure status and health risks of 74 organohalogen contaminants (OHCs) in Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin calves (Sousa chinensis) collected from the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), China, during 2005-2019. Our findings revealed moderate levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), medium-high levels of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) and hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), and the highest levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and alternative halogenated flame retardants (AHFRs) compared to those reported for cetaceans elsewhere. Traditional OHCs like DDTs, PCBs, and PBDEs did not exhibit significant decreasing trends in the dolphin calves despite global restrictions on these compounds, and AHFRs as emerging OHCs showed an increasing trend over the study period. Risk quotients of DDTs, HCHs, PBDEs, and PCBs in most of the dolphin samples were > 1, indicating that humpback dolphin calves may have suffered long-term threats from OHC exposure. The significant correlation observed between the traditional OHC levels and the stranding death number of the dolphin calves suggests these OHCs may impact the survival of this endangered species.

DDT exposure induces tremor-like behavior and neurotoxicity in developmental stages of embryonic zebrafish

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is a broad-spectrum insecticide, widely detected in environments due to its high stability characteristic and long natural half-life period. The adverse impact of DDT exposure on organisms and humans has attracted great concern worldwide. The current study explored the developmental and neurobehavioral toxicity response of DDT in embryonic zebrafish. The embryos were treated with DDT (0, 0.1, 1, 2.5 and 5 µM) during 6 h post fertilization (hpf) to 144 hpf. Our result indicated that DDT exposures increased the embryo hatching rate at 48 and 60 hpf, the larval malformation rate at 120 hpf and mortality rate at 144 hpf. The manifested malformations included uninflated swim bladder, bent spine and tail, deformed liver, and pericardial edema. The 120 hpf larval organs size of the gut and swim bladder was decreased in higher exposed concentration groups. Besides, DDT exposure resulted in hyperactivity for the embryo spontaneous movement at 24 hpf and tremor like movement measured by the free larval activity at 72 hpf, as well as the larval activity at 96 hpf under light-dark transition stimulus. Mechanistic examinations at 120 hpf revealed DDT exposure elevated oxidative stress through MDA formation increase, ATP level decrease as well as antioxidant enzyme genes (sod1 and gpx1a) expression decrease. DDT exposure induced abnormal neurotransmitters expression with DA level increase, 5-HT and NOS level decrease. DDT exposure suppressed the gene expressions involved in axon development (rab33a and nrxn2a) and potassium channel (kcnq2 and kcnq3). Our results suggest that the hyperactivity and tremor like movement in DDT-exposed embryos/larvae may result from oxidative stress involved with neuronal damage.

Alternatives Exert Higher Health Risks than Bisphenol A on Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins

The detrimental effects of bisphenol (BP) exposure are a concern for vulnerable species, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis). To investigate the characteristics of BP profiles and their adverse impact on humpback dolphins, we assessed the concentrations of six BPs, including bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol F (BPF), bisphenol AF (BPAF), bisphenol B (BPB), and bisphenol P (BPP) in blubber (n = 26) and kidney (n = 12) of humpback dolphins stranded in the Pearl River Estuary, China. BPS accounted for the largest proportion of the total bisphenols (∑BPs) in blubber (55%) and kidney (69%). The concentration of ∑BP in blubber was significantly higher than that in the kidney and liver. The EC50 values of five BPA alternatives were lower than those of BPA in humpback dolphin skin fibroblasts (ScSF) and human skin fibroblasts (HSF). ScSF was more sensitive to BPS, BPAF, BPB, and BPP than HSF. The enrichment pathway of BPA was found to be associated with inflammation and immune dysregulation, while BPP and BPS demonstrated a preference for genotoxicity. BPA, BPP, and BPS, which had risk quotients (RQs) > 1, were found to contribute to subhealth and chronic disease in humpback dolphins. According to the EC50-based risk assessment, BPS poses a higher health risk than BPA for humpback dolphins. This study successfully evaluated the risks of bisphenols in rare and endangered cetacean cell lines using a noninvasive method. More in vivo and in field observations are necessary to know whether the BPA alternatives are likely to be regrettable substitutions.

Impact of chemical pollution on threatened marine mammals: A systematic review

Marine mammals, due to their long life span, key position in the food web, and large lipid deposits, often face significant health risks from accumulating contaminants. This systematic review examines published literature on pollutant-induced adverse health effects in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red-listed marine mammal species. Thereby, identifying gaps in literature across different extinction risk categories, spatial distribution and climatic zones of studied habitats, commonly used methodologies, researched pollutants, and mechanisms from cellular to population levels. Our findings reveal a lower availability of exposure-effect data for higher extinction risk species (critically endangered 16%, endangered 15%, vulnerable 66%), highlighting the need for more research. For many threatened species in the Southern Hemisphere pollutant-effect relationships are not established. Non-destructively sampled tissues, like blood or skin, are commonly measured for exposure assessment. The most studied pollutants are POPs (31%), metals (30%), and pesticides (17%). Research on mixture toxicity is scarce while pollution-effect studies primarily focus on molecular and cellular levels. Bridging the gap between molecular data and higher-level effects is crucial, with computational approaches offering a high potential through in vitro to in vivo extrapolation using (toxico-)kinetic modelling. This could aid in population-level risk assessment for threatened marine mammals.

Hormonal biomarkers provide insights into the reproductive biology and pollutants-associated health hazards of endangered dolphins

Contaminants are known to contribute to the reproductive health hazards of wildlife, but pollutants-associated detrimental impacts on the endangered Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis, IPHD) are largely unknown due to a lack of reproductive parameters. Here we validated and applied blubber progesterone and testosterone as reproductive biomarkers to assess reproductive parameters of IPHD (n = 72). The gender-specific progesterone concentrations and progesterone/testosterone (P/T) supported progesterone and testosterone as valid biomarkers in identifying the genders of IPHD. Significant month-to-month variations of two hormones indicated a seasonal reproduction, in accordance with the observation of photo-identification approach, further supporting testosterone and progesterone as ideal reproductive biomarkers. Progesterone and testosterone concentrations showed significant differences between Lingding Bay and West-four region, possibly due to chronically geographic-specific pollutants differences. The significant relationships between sex hormones and multiple contaminants suggested that contaminants contribute to the disruption of testosterone and progesterone homeostasis. The best explanatory models between pollutants and hormones suggested that dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), lead (Pb) and selenium (Se) were the major risk factors jeopardizing the reproductive health of IPHD. This is the first study on the relationship between pollutant exposure and reproductive hormones in IPHD and represents a substantial advance in understanding the detrimental reproductive impacts of pollutants on endangered cetaceans.

Fatty acids as bioindicators of organohalogen exposure in marine fish from a highly polluted estuary: First insight into small-scale regional differences

Increasing evidence has revealed the lipid-disrupting effects of organic contaminants on aquatic organisms, raising attention about the efficacy of fatty acids (FAs) as bioindicator of contaminant exposure on marine organisms. Here, we investigated the concentrations of 55 organohalogen contaminants (OHCs), 35 FAs, and their correlations in 15 marine fish species (n = 274) from the estuary outlets of the west four region (WFR) and Lingdingyang (LDY) waters in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), respectively. Despite the similar OHC profiles, significantly higher concentrations of ∑₅₅OHCs were detected in fish from the LDY than those in the WFR. However, FAs in the LDY fish generally contained lower proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids than in the WFR fish. A total of 148 and 221 significant correlations between OHCs and FAs were observed in fish samples from the LDY and WFR, respectively, supporting that FAs could be efficient bioindicators of OHC stress in marine fish. However, the low overlaps (14/369) of OHC-FA correlations in fish from the two regions suggested that the bioindicators of OHCs might have spatial heterogeneity. Our results highlighted that FAs likely act as potential bioindicators of OHCs in marine fish, while the regional-specific characteristic of the bioindicators should be considered.

Estimation of Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substance Induction Equivalency Factors for Humpback Dolphins by Transactivation Potencies of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors

The potential risks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) accumulation in nearshore dolphins are not well understood. Here, transcriptional activities of 12 PFAS on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR-α, -β/δ, and -γ) in Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) were evaluated. All PFAS activated scPPAR-α in a dose-dependent manner. PFHpA exhibited the highest induction equivalency factors (IEFs). The order of IEFs for other PFAS was as follows: PFOA > PFNA > PFHxA > PFPeA > PFHxS > PFBA > PFOS > PFBuS ≈ PFDA ≫ PFUnDA and PFDoDA (not activated). The total induction equivalents (∑IEQs, 5537 ng/g wet weight) indicated that more attention should be paid to investigating contamination levels in dolphins, especially in PFOS (82.8% contribution to the ∑IEQs). The scPPAR-β/δ and -γ were not affected by any PFAS, except for PFOS, PFNA, and PFDA. Furthermore, PFNA and PFDA could induce higher PPAR-β/δ and PPAR-γ-mediated transcriptional activities than PFOA. Compared to human beings, PFAS might be more potent PPAR-α activators in humpback dolphins, suggesting that the dolphins may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of PFAS. Our results may be instructive for understanding the impacts of PFAS on marine mammal health due to the identical PPAR ligand-binding domain.

Long-term increase in mortality of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in the Pearl River Estuary following anthropic activities: Evidence from the stranded dolphin mortality analysis from 2003 to 2017

With the dramatic increase in anthropogenic threats to the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), the population size of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) has significantly decreased over the past decade. To understand the impact and potential risks of intense human activities on these dolphins, factors related to the mortality of humpback dolphins in the PRE were investigated by a detailed examination of 343 dolphin specimens stranded during 2003-2017. There was a significant (p < 0.01) increasing trend for humpback dolphin stranding, reflecting the accelerating rate of the population decline. A large proportion of strandings (35.88%) were neonates. A low recruitment rate implies slow population growth, and hence, limited capacity to resist anthropogenic stress. The most commonly diagnosed causes of death were vessel collision and net entanglement. The concentrations of trace metals, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and most of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the dolphin samples were greater than those previously reported in cetaceans globally. Furthermore, Cu, PCB77, PCB169, PCB81, PCB37, and PFASs (excluding PFBA, PFPeA, PFHxA, PFHxDA, and PFODA) were the major pollutants accumulated in neonates. 67% of PCB, 78% of Cu, and 100% of perfluorooctane sulfonate concentrations in the neonates exceeded the threshold for toxicological effects in marine mammals, suggesting that these compounds could be important factors contributing to the low survival rate of calves in this area. This study revealed that vessel transportation, fishing activities, and pollutant bioaccumulation are the three major causes of humpback dolphin mortality in the PRE. These results highlight the need for more efforts to restrict anthropogenic activities, especially vessel traffic, the catching of these marine animals and fishing, and pollutant discharge, in order to prevent vulnerable species from continuous population decline and further extinction.

Giant Toads (Rhinella marina) From the Industrial Zones of Low Basin of the Coatzacoalcos River (Veracruz, MX) Presents Genotoxicity in Erythrocytes

The lower basin of Coatzacoalcos River is one of the most polluted regions of the southern Gulf of Mexico. Organochlorine compounds, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy metals have been registered in this region. In the present study, genotoxicity was evaluated in the blood of giant toads (Rhinella marina) from Coatzacoalcos' rural and industrial zones, and compared with laboratory toads. Determination of the frequency of micronucleus and erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities by the light microscope and cell cycle and apoptosis by flow cytometry were used as biomarkers of genotoxicity. We found more variability in micronucleus and more nuclear buds in toads from industrial zones. Also, cell cycle alterations and an increase of apoptosis in erythrocytes were found in toads from rural and industrial zones. Multivariate statistics show that the toads from the industrial zone were more affected than toads from laboratory and rural zones.

Bioaccumulation of legacy organic contaminants in pregnant Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis): Unique features on the transplacental transfer

The placental transfer and congener composition of organic contaminants (OCs) in Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins have been little studied. In the present study, 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 18 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and 28 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners were analyzed in muscle, lung, liver, kidney, and blubber tissues from three mother-fetus pairs of this species stranded along the Pearl River Estuary, China. For PCBs, tetra-, penta-, hexa-, and hepta-chlorobenzene congeners were dominant in all the analyzed samples. Among them, hexachlorobenzene congeners showed the highest level in most dolphin mother-fetus tissue samples. The concentrations of PCBs and OCPs in adult females were higher in the detoxification organs (liver and kidneys) than in the muscles and lungs, whereas muscle tissues in fetuses generally exhibited higher PCBs and OCPs levels than the livers and kidneys. The most abundant PAHs in the four tissues were those with lower molecular weights, which were also the most water-soluble and bioavailable. Negative correlations between the octanol/water partition coefficients (log K_OW) and the fetus/mother ratios for PCB congeners revealed that the transfer of PCBs may be determined by their lipid solubility. OCPs and PCBs with low molecular weights and low log K_OW values would be more likely to accumulate in the dolphin liver, lung, kidney and muscle tissues. Furthermore, OCs with low molecular weights and low log K_OW values were more concentrated in the fetal blubber, lung, and liver tissues than in their respective mothers. The ubiquitous existence of OCs in the mother-fetus pairs strongly suggested that these contaminants could pass through the placenta and partition in fetal tissue. The high transfer efficiency of PAHs and PCBs indicated that the placenta might not be an efficient barrier for these pollutants. PCBs levels in both mother and fetus dolphins could cause immunosuppression.

Chloroorganic (DDT) and organophosphate (malathion) insecticides impair the motor function of the bovine cervix

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is a representative organochlorine insecticide and a known endocrine disruptor. Malathion is an organophosphate insecticide and a next-generation pesticide. Previously, it was shown that oxytocin (OT) and prostaglandins (PGs) are involved in the mechanism of the adverse effect of DDT on bovine myometrial contractions. However, disruption of myometrial contractions without disruption of cervical activity may not be sufficient to cause preterm delivery. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of insecticides on the function of the bovine cervix at preovulation period. Bovine cervical cells or strips were treated with DDT or malathion (0.1-100 ng/ml), and neither DDT nor malathion (each at a dose of 100 ng/ml) affected the viability of cervical cells. Malathion (0.1-10 ng/ml) and the high doses of DDT (10 ng/ml) decreased the force of cervical contractions, in contrast to a low dose of DDT (0.1 ng/ml). Both insecticides also decreased the mRNA expression of the OT receptor and the level of the second messenger (inositol triphosphate, IP3). Moreover, DDT decreased the amount of other second messengers (diacylglycerol, DAG), while malathion decreased the amount of gap junction protein (GAP). Only malathion increased PGE2 and decreased PGF2α secretion, while neither insecticide had an effect on both prostaglandins synthesis. Both DDT and malathion impaired cervical contractions, secretory function and cellular signalling. It is also possible that malathion-mediated induction of locally produced PGE2 can be followed by cervical softening. Admittedly it was shown that DDT and malathion can evoke failures in the regulation of motor function of cervix during oestrus cycle, while their harmful effect on gestation can be also not excluded.

Interactions of the antioxidant enzymes NAD(P)H: Quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and NRH: Quinone oxidoreductase 2 (NQO2) with pharmacological agents, endogenous biochemicals and environmental contaminants

NAD(P)H

Quinone Oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is an antioxidant enzyme that catalyzes the two-electron reduction of several different classes of quinone-like compounds (quinones, quinone imines, nitroaromatics, and azo dyes). One-electron reduction of quinone or quinone-like metabolites is considered to generate semiquinones to initiate redox cycling that is responsible for the generation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress and may contribute to the initiation of adverse drug reactions and adverse health effects. On the other hand, the two-electron reduction of quinoid compounds appears important for drug activation (bioreductive activation) via chemical rearrangement or autoxidation. Two-electron reduction decreases quinone levels and opportunities for the generation of reactive species that can deplete intracellular thiol pools. Also, studies have shown that induction or depletion (knockout) of NQO1 were associated with decreased or increased susceptibilities to oxidative stress, respectively. Moreover, another member of the quinone reductase family, NRH: Quinone Oxidoreductase 2 (NQO2), has a significant functional and structural similarity with NQO1. The activity of both antioxidant enzymes, NQO1 and NQO2, becomes critically important when other detoxification pathways are exhausted. Therefore, this article summarizes the interactions of NQO1 and NQO2 with different pharmacological agents, endogenous biochemicals, and environmental contaminants that would be useful in the development of therapeutic approaches to reduce the adverse drug reactions as well as protection against quinone-induced oxidative damage. Also, future directions and areas of further study for NQO1 and NQO2 are discussed.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers exert genotoxic effects in pantropic spotted dolphin fibroblast cell lines

Cetaceans accumulate persistent and toxic substances such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers in their tissue. PBDEs are ubiquitous in marine environments, and their exposure to mammals is linked to numerous health effects such as endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and fetal toxicity. However, the toxicological effects and mechanism of toxicity in cetaceans remains poorly understood. The effects of BDE-47 (0.1-0.5 μg mL^-1), BDE-100 (0.1-0.5 μg mL^-1), and BDE-209 (0.25-1.0 μg mL^-1) exposure on cell viability, oxidative stress, mitochondrial structure, and apoptosis were evaluated using a recently established pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata) skin fibroblast cell line (PSD-LWHT) as an in vitro model. However, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased following exposure to 1.0 μg mL^-1 PBDE while superoxide anion, hydroxyl radicals, and inducible nitric oxide increased in a dose-dependent manner. At 0.5-1.0 μg mL^-1, PBDEs significantly reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, exposure to BDE-47 and -209 significantly affected mitochondrial structure as well as cell signaling and transduction compared to BDE-100. Although PBDE exposure did not affect cell viability, a significant increase in cell apoptosis markers (Bcl2 and caspase-9) was observed. This study demonstrated that BDE-47, -100, and -209 congeners might cause cytotoxic and genotoxic effects as they play a crucial role in the dysregulation of oxidative stress and alteration of mitochondrial and cell membrane structure and activity in the fibroblast cells. Hence, these results suggest that PBDEs might have adverse health effects on cetaceans inhabiting contaminated marine environments.

Immune stimulation effect of PBDEs via prostaglandin pathway in pantropical spotted dolphin: An in vitro study

Pantropical spotted dolphins are apex predators and have a long lifespan, which makes them susceptible to chemical pollutants such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which are associated with immunotoxicity in wildlife. However, the effects of PBDEs and their mechanism of immunotoxicity in dolphins is largely unknown. Previously, we established fibroblast cell lines obtained from pantropical spotted dolphins (PSD-LWHT) as an in vitro model for assessing the toxicological implications of chemical pollutants in dolphins. In this study, we used the novel immortalized fibroblast cell line to explore the potential immune stimulation effect of PBDEs via prostaglandins signaling pathways to better understand the immunotoxicity pathway of PBDEs in dolphins. BDE-47, -100, and -209 exposure generally resulted in an increase in inflammatory cytokine expression, PGE₂ levels, and COX-2 gene expression but BDE-209 resulted in a suppression in IL-10 production. Both protein and mRNA expression of COX-2 and PTGES increased significantly following exposure to the PBDEs. The results suggested BDE-100 and -209 increased prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) production via increased expression of COX-2 and PTGES expression. Only BDE-100 increased expression level of the prostaglandin E₂ receptor EP4 while BDE-47 and BDE-209 decreased its expression. This probably explained why suppressive effect on the expression level of anti-inflammatory cytokines were only found in exposure with BDE-47 and BDE-209 rather than BDE-100. The results showed that PBDEs stimulate innate immune response by triggering PGE₂-EPs-cAMP-cytokines signaling.

CT1-3, a novel magnolol-sulforaphane hybrid suppresses tumorigenesis through inducing mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and inhibiting epithelial mesenchymal transition

Chemotherapy is recognized as one of the indispensable treatment for solid tumors. However, the emergent drug resistance and undesirable side effects have become a substantial challenge and the bottleneck of cancer chemotherapy. Magnolol (MAG) is a natural polyphenol with various bioactivities. Sulforaphane (SFN) is identified as one of the most effective naturally occurring anticancer agents. In this study, we successfully synthesized the magnolol-sulforaphane (MAG-SFN) hybrid CT1-3, showcasing more efficient anticancer activity than its lead compounds MAG and SFN with IC₅₀ values ranging from 5.10 to 14.06 μM in multiple cancer cells. We also demonstrated that CT1-3 elicited a strong antitumor effect in vivo but has no hepatic and renal toxicity. Furthermore, we found out CT1-3 treatment resulted in reduction of Bcl-2 and XIAP levels, in addition to increase of phospho-JNK and Bax levels, leading to mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in human cancer cells. Moreover, we revealed that CT1-3 could reduce the capacity of migration and invasion of human cancer cells via regulating the E-cadherin/Snail axis. Taken together, we provided strong evidences that the first example of MAG-SFN hybrid CT1-3 is a promising anticancer drug candidate without apparent adverse effects, which suppresses tumorigenesis partly through inducing mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and inhibiting epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT).