Toxicity and Oxidative Stress of Bi2O3 Nanoparticles

Bismuth compounds are used in cosmetics, pigments, and a few pharmaceuticals, notably bismuth subsalicylate, used to treat diarrhoea. Acute toxicity of Bi2O3 nanoparticles (Bi2O3-NP, 60 nm) was evaluated in rat as a biological model. One group of five male rats was orally administered Bi2O3-NP, once a day for 15 days with dose of 80 mg/kg, body weight. A control group was also made of five rats. Bi2O3-NP exposure increased the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), a significant decrease in blood aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity and glutathione (GSH) level. Based on these results, it is suggested that short-term administration of high doses of Bi2O3-NP may cause organ toxicity and oxidative stress.