Adipose tissue has now been recognized as a rich source of metabolically active molecules that include leptin and angiotensinogen (AGT), the precursor of angiotensin II (Ang II). Both of which have been implicated in the pathogenesis of metabolic alteration and hypertension associated with obesity. In this study, we examined the relationship between body mass index (BMI), adipocyte size, leptin, Ang II secretion and mRNA expression in human adipose tissue obtained from female subjects. Leptin and Ang II were analyzed using specific radioimmunoassay kits following a 48hour tissue culture. Leptin and Ang II secretion varied from 1.4 - 72.1ng/g and 0.8 - 57.3pg/g of tissue respectively. These large individual variations limit significant correlation between BMI, leptin and Ang II secretion. Ang II secretion was significantly higher in the obese than the non-obese (p < 0.05) and positively correlated with BMI. However, no difference in leptin secretion between the obese and the non-obese was observed and leptin secretion showed negative correlation with BMI. No difference in leptin and AGT mRNA expression in adipose tissue between the obese and the non-obese was observed. Although several limitations of this study, we found increased Ang II secretion in obese patients compared with non-obese patients, and positive correlation between AGT and BMI. Observed difference in AGT expression between the obese and the non-obese in this study might be of importance in relation with obesity related hypertension. (J Community Nutrition 8(2): 69-75, 2006)