In the present study, we investigate the expression of MALAT1, miR-181a-5p, Fas and pro-inflammatory factors in ALI/ARDS patients, explored the molecular mechanism via which MALAT1 and miR-181a-5p participate in ALI/ARDS pathogenesis, and preliminarily evaluate the effects of targeting MALAT1 and miR-181a-5p in ALI/ARDS intervention. This evidence concerns the gene MALAT1 and acute respiratory distress syndrome.