Inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8, are increased in the BALF of ARDS patients.39 Our clinical data show that the miR-223 is negatively correlated with serum IL-1β levels and that IL-1β levels are negatively correlated with the prognosis of ARDS patients. The gene discussed is CXCL8; the disease is acute respiratory distress syndrome.