Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL-1β, -6, -8, -13, -18, RAGE (a marker of lung epithelial injury), S1P (marker of endothelial injury), nitrite/nitrate and nitrite were significantly elevated in the lung tissue in the ARDS group compared to the Control (Fig. 2). This evidence concerns the gene AGER and acute respiratory distress syndrome.