Obesity is associated with infiltration of macrophages into adipose tissue, and macrophages are an important source of nitric oxide (NO). Dysregulated production of fat-derived secretory factor, adipocytokine, leads to obesity-linked metabolic disorders. However, it has not been fully determined whether NO might have direct effects on adipocytokine expressions. Here, we show that NO donor treatment downregulated gene expression and secretion of adiponectin, and upregulated mRNA levels of PAI-1 and IL-6. NO donor reduced promoter activity of adiponectin through PPAR gamma responsive element. Moreover, NO donor activated JNK and NF-kappa B pathways, and inhibitors of these pathways rescued NO-mediated upregulation of PAI-1 and IL-6. Analysis of adipose tissue of high-fat-fed obese mice showed upregulation of PAI-1 and IL-6 expression, increased synthesis of NO, and downregulation of adiponectin. Our results suggest that increased NO synthesis might be partly responsible for dysregulation of adipocytokines in adipose tissue. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.