Vaspin protects vascular endothelial cells against free fatty acid-induced apoptosis through a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway

► The function of vaspin, a novel adipocytokine, is unknown in vascular cells. ► In our study, vaspin prevented free fatty acid-induced apoptosis in endothelium. ► This effect was dependent on PI 3-kinase/Akt pathway. ► Our study is the first to demonstrate the beneficial role of vaspin in vascular cells.