Baseline cortisol (223.2 ± 59.4 versus 186.1 ± 62.3 ng/ml, p = 0.016) as well as maximum cortisol after stimulation with 1 μg ACTH (Synacthen®) (331.2 ± 56.4 versus 285.9 ± 47.8 ng/ml, p = 0.015) were significantly higher in patients with cholestasis compared to controls (see Fig. 1A, B). The gene discussed is POMC; the disease is cholestasis.