It has been reported on the involvement of adipocytokines such as leptin, adiponectin, IL-6 and resistin in proatherosclerotic process and inflammatory status, linking obesity with obesity-associated complications. However, the relationship between these adipocytokines and endothelial function is unclear. Therefore, we investigated the association between adiponectin or leptin and serum ICAM-1 levels in seventy-six nondiabetic, hypercholesterolemic patients (mean age 59 yrs, 25 males and 51 females, LDL-cholesterol>=130mg/dL at screening) Blood lipid profiles and HOMA-IR derived from fasting glucose and insulin concentrations were determined. Serum levels of adiponectin, leptin and ICAM-1 were analyzed using ELISA. The results showed that serum adiponectin levels were significantly correlated with the body mass index (r=-0.252, p<0.05) and serum ICAM-1 levels (r=-0.273, p<0.01). Serum leptin showed significantly positive relations with the bosy mass index (r=0.314, p<0.01) and serum ICAM-1 levels (r=0.372, p<0.005). We performed regression models to investigate the association between the 2 adipocytokines and serum ICAM-1. Serum leptin was independent factor to determine serum ICAM-1 levels after adjusted for age, gender, alcohol intake, smoking status, blood lipids such as total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol and HOMA-IR (p<0.001). Adiponectin was positively associated with serum ICAM-1 (p<0.005). With respect to adiponectin, this association was attenuated but still significant when further adjustments were made for age, gender, waist circumference, body mass index, homeostasis model assessment and blood lipids. In conclusion, this study suggests that adiponectin and leptin might be associated with endothelial function. Our results provide the understanding of the mechanisms linking obesity, adipocytokines and endothelial function which lead to atherosclerotic process and cardiovascular disease.