Objective To observe the effects of adiponectin on mRNA and protein expressions of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and the levels of procollagen type Ⅲ (PC Ⅲ) and hyaluronic acid (HA).Methods Cultured rat HSCs were treated with different concentrations of adiponectin.CTGF mRNA and protein expressions were analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western Blot.The levels of PCⅢ and HA were detected by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results Compared with the control group,the result of RT-PCR showed that the four groups had different degrees of inhibitory effect,of which group D exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect.The absorbance ratio was 1.54 ±0.18,1.21 ±0.14,0.96 ±0.10,and 0.79 ± 0.08,respectively (t =2.42,P ＜0.05;t =2.73,P ＜0.05;t =3.28,P ＜0.01;t =4.67,P ＜0.01).Western Blot also indicated that four groups had different degrees of inhibitory effect,of which D group exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect.The ratio of integral absorption was 1.54 ± 0.18,1.21 ±0.14,0.96±0.10,and 0.79 ±0.08,respectively (t =2.84,P ＜0.01;t =4.05,P ＜0.01;t =6.25,P ＜0.01;t =9.72,P ＜0.01).The levels of PCⅢ and HA secreted in culture media were also decreased.It was significantly decreased with the concentration of adiponectin increased.Conclusion Adiponectin can inhibit the levels of PC Ⅲ and HA,which may be achieved through reducing CTGF mRNA and protein expressions.