A total of 121 patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) and 120 normal subjects were recruited for exploring the association of serum adipokines with MS. The levels of resistin and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) increased, while adiponectin decreased gradually ( all P<0.05 ) in normal control group, MS without abdominal obesity group, and MS with abdominal obesity group. In MS group, resistin was positively correlated with body mass index ( BMI), waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, and A-FABP ( P<0.05 or P<0.01 ). Adiponectin was positively correlated with high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and negatively correlated with BMI, waist circumference, fasting insulin, triglyceride, and homeostasis assessment of insulin resistant index.