Objective:To investigate the effects of high glucose on the expression of ICAM-1mRNA in human mesangial cells and the intervention of tea polyphenols(TPs). Methods:Human mesangial cells were cultured in DMEM media containing high glucose with or without TPs for 0,12,36 hours,respectively. The mRNA and protein expression of ICAM-1 were measured by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. Results:The mRNA and protein expression of ICAM-1 of the cells increased significantly in high glucose medium(P < 0.05). However,TPs inhibited the expression(P < 0.05). Conclusion:High glucose contributes to the increase of ICAM-1 expression in human mesangial cells. TPs can reduce high glucose-induced expression of ICAM-1.