Additionally, NMBAs may also have direct therapeutic benefits; a multi-center prospective study conducted by Forel et al. determined that NMBA use during MV decreased pneumocyte release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and IL-8, which are pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (5). This evidence concerns the gene IL6 and acute respiratory distress syndrome.