C1q/TNF-related protein 1 prevents neointimal formation after arterial injury

•Overexpression of CTRP1 resulted in reduced neointimal thickening after vascular injury and decreased cell proliferation in injured arteries.•CTRP1 deficiency led to an increase in injury-induced neointimal hyperplasia and cell growth in injured vessels.•CTRP1 suppressed growth factor-induced VSMC growth.•The ability of CTRP1 to modulate vascular remodeling was likely to be mediated through its ability to stimulate the cAMP signaling pathway in VSMCs.•CTRP1 acts as an adipokine that plays an important role in protecting the vasculature from damage.