Objective: To explore the effect of berberine on adiponectin gene mRNA expression in 3T3-L1 adipocyte of insulin resistant induced by interleukin-6 (IL-6). Method: To build 3T3-L1 adipocyte model of insulin resistant induced by interleukin-6.3T3-L1 adipocytes were exposed to 20 μg·L-1 IL-6 for 48 h

the 3T3-L1 adipocytes with insulin resistant were divided into six groups randomly: normal control groups

model groups

pioglitazone (50 μmol·L-1)

and low

middle

hight doses of berberine groups (10

20

50 μmol·L-1)

the amount of glucose consumption was measured by detecting the glucose content in cell culture supernatants with glucose oxidase assay

the effect of berberine on glucose uptake of 3T3-L1 adipocytes was observed

and cell model of insulin resistant was identified. mRNA expression of adiponection gene was determined by real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Result: There was statistical difference between model group and normal control group in their amount of glucose consumption and gene expression of adiponectin

which was decreased markedly in model group (P<0.05). Pioglitazone (50 μmol·L-1)

and low

middle

high doses of berberine groups (10

20

50 μmol·L-1) markedly increased both amount of glucose consumption and gene expression of adiponectin. Conclusion: Berberine can increase mRNA expression of adiponection gene and improve insulin resistant in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.