Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on homeostatic and hedonic appetite control and mood states in women presenting premenstrual syndrome across menstrual cycle phases

Author(s)

Lima, Fernanda Santos ; Moreira, Alexandre ; Prado, Raul Cosme Ramos ; Carvalho-Ferreira, Joana Pereira de ; Rosso, Veridiana Vera de ; Moscaleski, Luciane Aparecida ; Okano, Alexandre ; Panissa, Valeria Leme Gonsalves

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Physiology & Behavior; v. 261, p. 11-pg., 2023-01-18.

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigated the acute effect of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on appetite, energy intake, food preferences, and mood states in the luteal and follicular phases of the menstrual cycle in women presenting premenstrual syndrome. Methods: Sixteen women (26.5 +/- 5.2 years; 1.63 +/- 0.1 m; 64.2 +/- 12.8 kg; body mass index 24.0 +/- 5.0 kg/m2; body fat 27.6 +/- 7.5%) with the eumenorrheic menstrual cycle were submitted to a-tDCS and sham-tDCS con-ditions over their follicular and luteal phases. At pre -and post-tDCS, hunger and desire to eat something tasty, (analogic visual scale), the profile of mood states (POMS), and the psychological components of food preferences (Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire-BR) were assessed. Participants recorded their food intake for the rest of the day using a diary log. Results: There was a trend towards main effect of condition for decreased implicit wanting for low-fat savory food after a-tDCS but not sham-tDCS regardless of menstrual cycle phase (p = 0.062). There was no effect for self -reported hunger, desire to eat, energy and macronutrient intake, and on other components of food prefer-ences (explicit liking and wanting for low-and high-fat savory and sweet foods, implicit wanting for low-and high-fat sweet and high-fat savory food); as well as for mood states. Conclusions: Although no significant effects of a-tDCS were found, the present investigation provides relevant perspectives for future studies. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/07075-0 - Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on appetite and food intake control in women during menstrual cycle phases
• Grantee: Fernanda Santos Lima
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 13/07559-3 - BRAINN - The Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology
• Grantee: Fernando Cendes
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC