By day 7, methylprednisolone also reduced the plasma concentrations of MMP-8 (indicating reduced activation of neutrophils), prevented an increase in soluble ICAM-1 (indicating decreased endothelial injury), and decreased soluble RAGE (indicating epithelial injury and recovery) what correlated well with the respiratory functions of children with ARDS [109]. This evidence concerns the gene AGER and acute respiratory distress syndrome.