In the present study, we found that LPS could inhibit autophagy in ALI models, and that catechins significantly enhanced the protein levels of Beclin-1 and Atg5-Atg12 and protein ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I and inhibited the C-Caspase 3 and PARP mediated apoptosis implicating catechins enhancing protective autophagy mechanism. This evidence concerns the gene ATG12 and acute respiratory distress syndrome.