Figure 1.

NET and caspase-1 levels are increased in patients with ARDS caused by gram-negative bacteria. (A) NETs were found in the bronchial aspirates of ARDS patients but not in in healthy controls. (B and C) Alveolar macrophages were found in the bronchial aspirates of healthy volunteers, whereas massive neutrophil infiltration was found in ARDS patients. (D) NET (F) and caspase-1 levels in bronchial aspirates were significantly higher in ARDS patients than in healthy controls There were also significant differences in the levels of NETs and caspase-1 between patients with mild, moderate and severe ARDS. (E) NET and (G) caspase-1 levels in bronchial aspirates were significantly higher in nonsurviving patients than in survivors.

Abbreviations: NETs, neutrophil extracellular traps; ARDS, acute respiratory distress syndrome.