A systemic inflammatory response resulting from the release of large amounts of inflammatory cytokines (interferon (IFN)-α, IFN-g, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-12, IL-18, IL-33, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, TGF-β, etc.)leads to ARDS [3]. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is acute respiratory distress syndrome.