The effects of ethylparaben and propylparaben on the development and fecundity of Drosophila melanogaster

Parabens are widely used as preservatives in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products. Ethylparaben (EP) and propylparaben (PP) are particularly preferred because of their bactericidal and fungicidal effects. Although generally described as safe compounds, many studies have reported that parabens have estrogenic and endocrine-disrupting properties. In the present study, the effects of EP and PP (50 mM, 100 mM and 200 mM) on Drosophila melanogaster development and fecundity were investigated. No differences were found in the pupation and maturation percentages in all concentrations of parabens (p > 0.05). However, it was found that the mean pupation and maturation times increased in all treatment groups (p < 0.05). A statistically significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the number of offspring of the 200 mM ethylparaben exposure group was observed. In all paraben groups, a significant reduction in mean fecundity was found compared to the control group (p < 0.05).