Aim To investigate whether Rb1 could block tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)induced inflammation in human umbilical vein endothelial cell(HUVEC). Methods HUVEC were treated with TNF-α(0.5 μg/L) and/or Rb1(15 mg/L) for 16 hours.The mRNA level of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1) was determined by real-time PCR and flow cytometry,respectively.Human macrophage THP-1 labeled with a fluorescent dye(Calcein-AM) was used for the adhesion assay on HUVEC monolayer.Dihydroethidium(DHE) was used to demonstrate in situ levels of superoxide production.JC-1 dye was used to measure changes in mitochondrial membrane potential. Results TNF-α treatment significantly increased the mRNA expression of VCAM-1 in HUVEC,as compared to controls.Rb1 pretreatment blocked the TNF-α induced mRNA expression of VCAM-1,and also effectively blocked THP-1 adhesions.Furthermore,Rb1 reduces TNF-α induced increase of superoxide anion production and inhibits TNF-α induced decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential in HUVEC. Conclusion These data suggested that Rb1 might have potential therapeutic effects in controlling inflammation in vascular diseases.