The pathogenesis of SIRS is based on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor), IL-1 (interleukin-1), IL-6 (interleukin-6), IL-8 (interleukin-8), and IL-10 (interleukin-10), which spread to sites distant from the primary focus. The gene discussed is IL1A; the disease is systemic inflammatory response syndrome.