Metformin activates phosphorylated AMPK, reduces the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, and decreases NLRP3 inflammasome activation, thereby suppressing the level of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and SARS-COV-2-induced ARDS. Here, IL1B is linked to acute respiratory distress syndrome.