Background: Sepsis is life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Inflammatory response and oxidative stress play an important role in the pathophysiological process of sepsis. Thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) is a small ubiquitous thiol protein with redox/inflammation modulatory properties relevant to the pathogenesis of sepsis. We therefore investigated the expression level and significance of Trx-1, inflammatory factors and oxidative stress in peripheral blood of sepsis patients, and to explore Trx-1 relationship with inflammatory factors and oxidative stress. Methods: Plasma samples were collected from patients with sepsis and those with healthy control. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to detect for interleukin (IL-1 beta), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), E-selectin, endothelin-1 (ET-1), thioredoxin-1, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) for human plasma samples; RT-PCR detection of Trx-1 and thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) mRNA levels. Colorimetric assay for glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) expression level in peripheral blood of patients with sepsis; Disease severity was assessed as APACHE II. Results: The expression levels of Trx-1, inflammatory factors and oxidative stress in plasma of patients with sepsis were significantly increased, TXNIP opposite. Conclusion: Our results show that Trx-1 play important role in inflammation and oxidative stress in sepsis patients. Trx-1 may be a potential therapeutic target in sepsis.