Background Endothelial glycocalyx is a layer consists of glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans and glycoproteins situated in the vascular endothelial luminal surface.The endothelial glycocalyx is one of important parts of the vascular barrier.It plays an important role in regulating of vascular permeability,transmitting shear stress forces to mediating signal transductions and inhibiting of coagulation and leukocyte adhesion.Studies have revealed that vascular endothelial glycocalyx has protective effects on lung injuries which induced by one-lung ventilation.Objective Although the protective effects have been studied,the underlying mechanisms are far from clear.This article not only reviews the importance of the protection and repair of endothelial glycocalyx ,but also reviews the close relationship between endothelial glycocalyx and lung injury induced by one-lung ventilation.Content Summarize the advances in protective effects of endothelial glycocalyx on acute lung injury during one-lung ventilation.Trend Guide a new way to carry out better preventive and therapeutic strategies.