Objective　To explore the expression and role of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) and SOCS3 mRNA in the development of Henoch-Schöenlein purpura (HSP) in children. Methods Real-Time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of SOCS1 and SOCS3 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in children with HSP (HSP group, n=20) and healthy children (control group, n=15), respectively. Results The expression levels of SOCS1 and SOCS3 mRNA in HSP group were (1.37±0.38) and (1.87±0.53), and in control group were (0.85±0.12) and (0.77±0.13). Compared with control group, the expressions of SOCS1 and SOCS3 mRNA, especially the latter, were significantly up-regulated in HSP group (P<0.001). Conclusions The up-regulated expression of SOCS3 may be invol ed in the pathogenesis of HSP in children.