Aim Hyperglycemia-induced apoptosis in ascular endothelial cells may contribute to the acceleration of atherosclerosis associated with diabetes.This study confirmed that acylated ghrelin attenuates hyperglycemia-induced apoptosis in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells(ECV-304).Methods Morphology of cell apoptosis was observed by Acridine Orange fluorescence staining.Cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL and flow cytometry with PI staining.Caspase-3 activity was detected by colorimetric assay.Results Exposure of ECV-304 to hyperglycemia level for 72 h significantly increased the number of apoptotic cells compared with normal glucose level,but pretreatment of ghrelin significantly attenuated hyperglycemia-induced apoptosis.Exposure to hyperglycemia-induced caspase-3 activation and ghrelin also prevented it.Conclusion Results of our study indicate that acylated ghrelin effectively inhibits apoptosis in cultured vascular endothelial cells and provide a basis for future therapeutic interventions in diabetic vascular complications.