Inflammatory responses involving upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and their accumulation in BALF and edema fluid are a critical hallmark of ARDS (4–7). The gene discussed is IL1B; the disease is acute respiratory distress syndrome.