Aim To explore the effect of sorting receptor Sortilin on lipid metabolism in THP-1 macrophages. Methods THP-1 macrophages were incubated with oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). Change of Sortilin expression in lipid-loaded THP-1 macrophages were detected by Western blot. Under the overexpression and silence of Sortilin in THP-1 macrophages, intracellular cholesterol efflux was measured by liquid scintillation counting apparatus, intracellular lipid content was detected by high performance liquid chromatography, and the situation of intracellular lipid droplets was observed by oil red O staining. Results The expression of Sortilin in THP-1 macrophages was increased in the manners of dose- and time-dependence of ox-LDL. The expression level of Sortilin in THP-1 macrophages reached the peak after 24 hours treatment with 50 mg/L ox-LDL. Compared with the control group, after Sortilin overexpression, the cholesterol efflux of macrophages was decreased, the intracellular lipid content was increased, and the lipid droplets was increased significantly, while Sortilin was silent, it just happened to be the opposite. Conclusion Sortilin inhibits the cholesterol efflux of macrophages and promotes the accumulation of intracellular lipid.