In recent years, numerous studies have reported an altered association of ACTH and cortisol levels in stress disease states of non-critical diseases other than sepsis (19), including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the inflammatory response, and psychiatric disorders (12, 20–22), suggesting the existence of another mechanism for the maintenance of high glucocorticoid levels in addition to ACTH. The gene discussed is POMC; the disease is Sepsis.