A recent meta-analysis reported that the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, along with TNF receptor 1, IL-8, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), were increased in the blood of patients with ALS compared with HC subjects, suggesting a peripheral systemic pro-inflammatory response in these patients8. The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.