Higher expression of SMA, ERG, and TGF-β1 was correlated with a shorter post-operative intensive care stay (<i>p</i> = 0.070, <i>p</i> = 0.010 and <i>p</i> = 0.029, respectively), particularly with post-transplant acute kidney injury.<h4>Conclusions</h4>These findings highlight the role of endothelial activation and vascular homeostasis for an early recovery after liver transplantation, posing an important issue for healthcare systems as well, and suggesting molecular markers for graft assessment and risk stratification. The gene discussed is ERG; the disease is acute kidney injury.