During 8~14 d.a.o, expression of TNF-α, SDF-1α, TRAIL, IL-5, IL-7, IL-13 and IL-17 in patients with ARDS returned to normal, and expression of 10 cytokines/chemokines (IFN-γ, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-18, IL-4, MIP-1α, G-CSF, IP-10, CTACK and SCF-β) was increased in patients without ARDS. This evidence concerns the gene IL18 and acute respiratory distress syndrome.