HAVCR1 and endothelial dysfunction: GDF15 is usually upregulated under episodes of stress, such as cardiac ischemia or reperfusion,29 and elevated blood levels of GDF15 have been related to endothelial dysfunction and the risk for incident CVDs.10,11,30 ADM has several functions, including vasodilation, regulation of hormone secretion and promotion of angiogenesis, and its plasma level is elevated in patients with hypertension, MI, and heart failure.31 KIM1 (HAVCR1) is mainly described in relation to renal dysfunction.