Objective To investigate the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibition on the down-regulation of adiponectin (ADPN) in mouse 3T3-L1 adipocytes by advanced glycation end-products (AGEs).Methods AGEs were prepared for incubating with cell.3T3-L1 preadipocytes were cultured in vitro and differentiated into mature adipocytes.Cell differentiation and lipid accumulation were determined by oil red O staining.After being intervened with AGEs,2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) was used as a reactive oxygen species (ROS) capture agent and the fluorescent intensity of 2',7 '-dichlorofluorescein (DCF) was detected by flow cytometry.Adiponectin expression under AGEs in 3T3-L1 adipocytes pretreated with N-acetyl-L-cysteine(NAC) or not was detected by real-time fluorescent PCR and ELISA.Results The level of ROS in 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with AGEs was increased.mRNA and protein of ADPN were down-regulated.After inhibition with ROS,mRNA and protein expressions of ADPN injured by AGEs were ameliorated.Conclusion Exposure of 3T3-L1 adipocytes to AGEs induces oxidative stress in vitro,which decreases the expression of ADPN,and causes functional impairment of adipose cells and insulin resistance.