In the cell model of atherosclerosis, the application of irisin can improve the survival of ECs, promote their migration and tube forming capacity and inhibit apoptosis, proinflammatory cytokine secretion, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production via pAkt/mTOR/nuclear factor E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) pathway (Zhang et al., 2019). This evidence concerns the gene FNDC5 and atherosclerosis.