Abstract: Objective To study the expression of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in human glomerular mesangial cells and effect of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) on the expression of LPL . Methods In human glomerular mesangial cells, LPL mRNA expression, protein synthesis and activity were detected by RT-PCR, western blot and a chemical analysis bases on the radioisotope, respectively. Effect of VLDL on the expression of LPL in mesangial cells was detected by western blot. Results In human glomerular mesangial cells, a single 276-bp band, specific for human LPL, could be seen by RT-PCR, and a single 55kd band, specific for human LPL, could be seen by western blot. LPL activity of mesangial cells was also detected in the medium after release by heparin. VLDL stimulated LPL protein synthesis in mesangial cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Conclusion LPL is expressed by human mesangial cells and it has catalytic activity. Expression of LPL in mesangial cells is regulated by VLDL.