Objective   To investigate the effect of adiponectin on the mRNA level of adhesion factor in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by TNF-α.    Methods   HUVECs were cultured in vitro and divided into normal group

TNF-α stimulation group and adiponectin and TNF-α associated stimulation group. For adiponectin and TNF-α associated stimulation group

HUVECs were preincubated with human recombinant adiponectin (5

30 or 50 mg/L) for 16 h

then exposed to human recombinant TNF-α (20 μg/L) for another 6 h

which was then compared with TNF-α stimulation groups (10

20 or 50 μg/L) in the mRNA levels of vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1)

intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and E-selectin by PCR.    Results   TNF-α stimulation group had increased mRNA levels of VCAM-1

ICAM-1 and E-selectin. Compared with TNF-α stimulation group

the mRNA levels of VCAM-1

ICAM-1 and E-selectin in adiponectin and TNF-α associated stimulation group were decreased.    Conclusion   Adiponectin attenuates the mRNA levels of adhesion factors

such as VCAM-1

ICAM-1 and E-selectin

in umbilical vein endothelial cells induced by TNF-α

and adiponectin has protective actions against the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis.