The RT-PCR analysis showed that a number genes that were highly interconnected with the COVID-19-related gene network (Saa1, Rsad2, Ifi44, Rtp4, and Mmp8) were up-regulated in lung tissue of mice in response to LPS and significantly down-regulated by pre-treatment of LPS-challenged mice with Dex and SM, two anti-inflammatory compounds, displaying promising efficiency against ARDS induced by SARS-CoV-2 [84, 85]. This evidence concerns the gene MMP8 and acute respiratory distress syndrome.