Induction of genotoxicity by salted deep-fried fish and mutton.

Salted, sun-dried and deep-fried fish and mutton were screened for their mutagenicity by the Ames test, single cell gel electrophoresis assay (SCG), chromosomal aberrations (CA), and micronucleus test. Fish and mutton given at 20% in the diet to the rats daily for 2 months resulted in cytogenetic damage which could not be repaired on withdrawal. However, the temporary damage was reversed at a 10% dose upon withdrawal after the same period. The maximum chromatid damage, found as breaks and gaps, was in agreement with the increased number of strand breaks. Treated rats also showed DNA strand breaks in hepatocytes and lymphocytes, more so in hepatocytes. Lime and onion extracts inhibited the nitrosation of fish and mutton, and were antitoxic.