Abstract:Apelin is a newly discovered adipokine, and participates in the development of atherosclerosis in various ways. The possible mechanisms included that it is involved in insulin resistance and abnormal lipid metabolism, and then influences the development of atherosclerosis; it directly affects the inflammatory state of vascular endothelial cells and promotes monocytes to migrate and adhere to endothelial cells; it promotes cellular cholesterol efflux and reduces the formation of foam cells; it enhances plaque stability, and prevents plaque rupture and thrombosis formation. Further study on the relationship of apelin with atheroselerosis thoroughly will provide a new target for prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.