Abstract: Objective To investigate expression levels of nuclear factor kappa B(NF-ΚB)and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α)in community residents with metabolic syndrome(MS)and healthy controls in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and to provide theoretical basis for prevention and control of metabolic syndrome. Methods Totally 180 MS patients and 180 healthy controls were selected for a case-control study.The expression levels of NF-κB and TNF-α were measured with double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Paired t test was used to analyze the differences in expressions of NF-κB and TNF-α between the two groups and logistic regression was used to analyze relevant risk factors. Results The expression level of NF-κB in the patients was 1.99±1.42 ng/mL and 1.85±2.0 ng/mL in the controls.The NF-κB level in the patients was significantly higher than in the controls(t=-3.15,P<0.05).The expression level of TNF-α in the patients was 41.04±25.11 g/mL and 30.5±18.11 g/mL in the controls.The TNF-α level in the patients was significantly higher than in the controls(t=-4.85,P<0.01).Logistic regression analysis suggested that smoking (odds ratioOR=1.97;95%confidence interval95%CI=1.07-3.63),NF-κB expression(OR=1.85;95%CI=1.03-3.33),and TNF-α expression(OR=1.02;95%CI=1.01~1.03)could significantly increase the risk of MS. Conclusion The NF-κB and TNF-α are increased in metabolic syndrome patients.Smoking,NF-κB and TNF-α expressions are risk factors for MS.