A negative correlation was found between the duration of the CFS and the plasma α-MSH values (p = 0.04, rs = -0.28), but no correlations with ACTH, cortisol or DHEA-S levels were identified (p = 0.55, 0.26, 0.33, respectively). The gene discussed is POMC; the disease is myalgic encephalomeyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.