Objective To evaluate the effects of exogenous adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of human apM1 gene (Ad-apM1) on malonaldehyde (MAD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Methods HUVEC proliferation was measured by MTT after infection by AdapM1. Adiponetin protein level in cell culture medium of HUVEC cells infected with Ad-apM1 was detected by double antibody sandwich ELISA. The levels of MAD and SOD were measured by chromatometry. Results MTT assay showed that Ad-apMl had no effect on HUVEC proliferation. Human adiponectin protein levels in cell culture medium significantly increased after HUVEC was infected with Ad-apM1 for 24, 48, and 72 h, along with decreased MAD and increased SOD ( all P<0.05 ). MAD levels markedly increased and SOD levels decreased after HUVEC were incubated with 100 μmol/L H2O2 for 6, 12, and 24 h, and these reactions were reversed by AdapM1 transfection (all P<0.05 ). Conclusions HUVEC infected with Ad-apM1 effectively secrete human adiponectin. Ad-apM1 exerts antioxidation effect and antagonizes H2O2 -induced endothelial injury.