Fibronectin type III domain-containing protein (FNDC) 5, the precursor of irisin, is encoded by the FNDC5 gene. Irisin is secreted from skeletal muscle and helps in metabolism by increasing energy level. Currently the change in irisin levels was estimated in aqueous humor of cataract patients compared to serum levels of cataract and normal subjects. The aqueous humor and blood samples were collected from senile cataract patients (N=50). Blood samples of normal age related subjects (N=50) were also collected. Irisin was estimated in aqueous humor and serum of cataract patients and normal controls through ELISA. Independent sample t-test was applied to compare the irisin concentration of aqueous humor and blood samples of senile cataract patients; and comparison of serum irisin levels between control and senile cataract patients. Probability level (p < 0.05) was considered significant. Irisin levels were reduced significantly (p < 0.0001) in aqueous humor of senile cataract patients compared to the serum levels. However, irisin levels in serum of control subjects was non-significantly (p < 0.129) different from the senile cataract patient serum. The study concludes that being an anti-inflammatory protein, reduced irisin levels may be a contributing factor for cataract pathology.
