By linear regression analysis, in cirrhotic patients, at univariate analysis, NT-pro-BNP levels were directly related to liver dysfunction (lower albumin, lower INR, presence of ascites, cirrhosis stage, higher MELD and Child Pugh scores), and to renal impairment (higher serum creatinine levels), and to larger atrial volumes (Table 2). The gene discussed is ALB; the disease is Decreased liver function.