In a study by Crofford and colleagues comparing the circadian course of ACTH and cortisol levels in patients with RA and in healthy subjects, despite 10 times higher serum levels of cytokines in patients with RA, serum level curves of ACTH and cortisol were identical, with similar peaks in the early morning and lower second peaks in the afternoon [12]. The gene discussed is POMC; the disease is rheumatoid arthritis.