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One theory holds that symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are caused by excessive levels of various cytokines (primarily proinflammatory cytokines) that are produced in, or that reach, the brain. A team from the Netherlands conducted a small randomized trial of one particular cytokine blocker, anakinra (Kineret), that targets proinflammatory interleukin (IL) –1α and IL-1β.
Fifty participants received daily subcutaneous injections of either anakinra or placebo for 4 weeks and then were followed for 20 additional weeks. Researchers noted no significant differences in severity of fatigue, pain, physical or social functioning, or psychological distress at 4 or at 20 weeks.