The lower levels of regulatory cytokines (IL-17A, IL-4, TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3) found in plasma of patients with FM and short duration of illness in CFS, could suggest that this regulatory influence is diminished, leading to further imbalances in the immune system of these patients. The gene discussed is IL17A; the disease is myalgic encephalomeyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.