Aim To investigate the association between high density lipoprotein （HDL） subclasses and plasma triglyceride （TG） concentration in metabolic syndrome （MS）. Methods Concentrations of plasma lipids and the apolipoproteins were detected by automated biochemical analyzer. According to the NCEP ATP-Ⅲ file set by the U.S. National Cholesterol Education Program,the MS subjects were divided into four groups of TG<1.69 mmol/L,1.69 mmol/L≤TG＜2.25 mmol/L,2.25 mmol/L≤TG＜5.64 mmol/L,TG≥5.64 mmol/L . HDL subclasses were determined by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis associated with immunodetection. Results Compared with their counterpart control,the levels of plasma total cholesterol （TC）,TG,low density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDLC）,apolipoprotein B100 （ApoB₁₀₀）,preβ1-HDL,HDL_3b,ApoB₁₀₀/AⅠ and LDLC/HDLC were significantly increased in MS （P<0.05 or P<0.001）. Meanwhile,the concentrations of HDLC,ApoAⅠ,HDL_2b and HDL_2a were significantly decreased in MS （P<0.05 or P<0.001）. The content of preβ1-HDL,HDL_3a and HDL_3b were increased,while the HDL_2a and HDL_2b were significantly decreased,with the increasing of plasma TG levels in MS. Conclusion HDL subclasses distribute abnormal in MS,the content of preβ1-HDL and HDL_3b were increased,while HDL_2b and HDL_2a were significantly decreased in MS. The levels of plasma TG may be one of the influencing factors of abnormal HDL subclasses in patients with MS.