ANGPT1 and portal hypertension: Importantly, there were statistical correlations between Ang 1–7 and parameters of liver disease severity (MELD), LSM, portal hypertension (assessed by the gold standard HVPG) and endothelial dysfunction (assessed by its well-established surrogate biomarker VWF antigen28–31), suggesting a link between activation of the alternative RAS and worse outcomes of patients with ACLD32,33.