Anodal tDCS over the left prefrontal cortex does not cause clinically significant changes in circulating metabolites

Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a putative treatment for depression, has been proposed to affect peripheral metabolism. Metabolic products from brain tissue may also cross the blood–brain barrier, reflecting the conditions in the brain. However, there are no previous data regarding the effect of tDCS on circulating metabolites.\ud Objective: To determine whether five daily sessions of tDCS modulate peripheral metabolites in healthy adult men.\ud Methods: This double-blind, randomized controlled trial involved 79 healthy males (aged 20–40 years) divided into two groups, one receiving tDCS (2 mA) and the other sham stimulated. The anode was placed over the left dor…