Objective To investigate the difference of adiponectin( ADPN) levels in cerebral stroke and the relationship with inflammatory factors. Methods Using clinical, imaging, and laboratory data, 136 consecutive patients with acute cerebral infarction were categorized into three subtypes: large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA, n= 77) , small-artery atherosclerosis (SAA, re = 21) , cardioembolism (CE, n = 38). Patients of acute cerebral hemor-rhage(n = 39) were also included. Clinical features, levels of adiponectin, IL-10 and hsCRP were compared between groups. Results ADPN level of cerebral stroke group was lower than the control group(6. 3 ±2. 2 vs 8. 9 ± 2.7 mg/L). ADPN level differed by stroke subtype(F = 5. 21, P = 0. 005): highest in the CE group (8. 0 ± 1. 9 mg/L) and lowest in the LAA group(5. 5 ± 1. 0 mg/L). There was no significant difference between ischemic and hemorrhagic groups. ADPN level was relative to IL-10 ( r = 0. 274, P < 0. 01 ) and hs-CRP( r = -0. 308, P< 0. 05 ) . Conclusion Hypoadiponectinemia is associated with atherosclerosis and stroke. The variation of levels of ADPN and the inflammatory factors may contribute to the inflammation after ischemic stroke.