IL-6 and IL-17 were significantly higher compared with those in the control group (P <0.001) (Table 1), and both these cytokines were associated with the severity or progression of ARDS, as non-survivors had significantly higher IL-6 and IL-17 levels (P <0.001, P = 0.003, respectively) (Table 2). The gene discussed is IL17A; the disease is acute respiratory distress syndrome.