AIM: To investigate the effect of adeno-associated virusmediated gene transfer of human endostatin on the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).METHODS: HCC cell line Hep3B was infected with recombinantadeno-associated virus containing human endostatin gene (rAAV2-hEndo). The results of transfection were detected by RT-PCR and SDS-PAGE assay. MTT assay was used to observe the effects of supernatant of transfected cells on ECV304 cell proliferation. An animal model of HCC was established by injecting Hep3B cells subcutaneously into the back of nude mice. Intratumoral injection of rAAV2hEndo, empty virus and phosphate-buffered saline were given sequentially. Serum endostatin was determined byELISA, the inhibitory effect of endostatin on the growth of xenograft was assessed in 3 wk.RESULTS: The results of RT-PCR and SDS-PAGE assay confirmed that rAAV2-hEndo successfully transfected Hep3B cells, and endostatin was secreted from Hep3B cells to medium. The supernatant of transfected cells markedly inhibited the proliferation of ECV304 cells (P＜0.01). Intratumoral injection of rAAV2-hEndo (2×1010v.g.) led to a sustained serum endostatin level ofapproximately (86.71±5.19) ng/mL. The tumor volumeand microvessel density were less in rAAV2-hEndo group than in control groups (P＜0.01).CONCLUSION: Human endostatin can be stably expressed by adeno-associated virus-mediated gene transfer and effectively inhibit the growth of HCC.