Type 2 diabetic rats were treated with recombiriant adenovirus expressing human adiponectin (Ad-APN).The results showed that the levels of both plasma C-reactive protein and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 were significantly decreased in Ad-APN-treated diabetic rats compared with those of diabetic rats [(18.73±4.66 vs 23.60±4.25)mg/L and (14.91±1.79 vs 19.09±2.95) ng/ml,both P<0.01].These results suggest that increased serum concentration of adiponectin may improve the status of inflammation in diabetes mellitus.