The objectives of this study were to assess the activation of renin, proBNP and AVP in distinct stages of (i) liver dysfunction, i.e. MELD/Child strata, (ii) of portal hypertension, i.e. HVPG strata, and (iii) to investigate whether alterations of these systems correlate with the risk for clinical events. The gene discussed is AVP; the disease is Decreased liver function.