Genotoxic and safety assessment of 2 parabens in somatic cells of in vivo Drosophila melanogaster

The objective of this study was to determine the possible genotoxic effects of the para-hydroxybenzoic acid esters (parabens) of methylparaben, propylparaben, and the mixed paraben groups formed by a combination of these, which are used as preservative substances in the food, cosmetic, and drug industries, on Drosophila melanogaster using the wing somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART). According to the data obtained from microscopic analysis, no increase was determined in the single type clone number at various concentrations (100, 150, 200, and 250 mM) of paraben groups in comparison with the control group. In addition, increases corresponding to the concentration increase in the single type and twin clone numbers were observed in the mixed paraben application group in comparison to the control group. However, this increase was not determined to create a statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). As a result of the data that we obtained, it has been concluded that parabens show toxic effects but no genotoxic effects on D. melanogaster.