Abstract: Objective To investigate the peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor γ2 (PPARγ2 )mRNA expressions in abdominal subcutaneous and omental adipose tissues of overweight subjects and their relation with insulin resistance. Methods The PPARγ2 mRNA expression level was measured by RT-PCR in abdominal subcutaneous and omental adipose tissues of 28 non- overweight controls(BMI<25 kg/m2)and 19 over weight subjects(BMI≥25 kg/m2). Anthropometric data such as body weight,waist circumference,hip circumference were measured to calculate body mass index(BMI) and waist-hip ratio(WHR).Blood pressure was also measured.Fasting plasma levels of insulin(FIns),glucose(FPG),lipids were determined.Insulin resistance index(IRI)were calculated. Results (1)Fasting plasma TG and VLDL-C,SBP,DBP,insulin and IRI were significantly higher in overweight subjects than those in non-overweight controls (P<0.05 or P<0.01).(2)The PPARγ2 mRNA expressions in abdominal subcutaneous and omental adipose tissue were significantly higher in subjects with overweight than those with non-overweight controls(0.709±0.582 vs 0.651±0.472, 0.717±0.044 vs 0.669±0.565, P<0.01).There were no differences in the expression of PPARγ2 mRNA between omental and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (P>0.05).(3)There was not significant correlation of expressions of PPARγ2 mRNA in abdominal subcutaneous and omental adipose tissue with other parameters (all P>0.05). Conclusion The PPARγ2 mRNA expressions in abdominal subcutaneous and omental adipose tissue were significantly higher in subjects with overweight.