Dr Alexandre PINEL

Passionate about Nutrition and its major role in the prevention of pathophysiologies such as obesity and sarcopenia, I completed my thesis in Nutrition on the role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in metabolic alterations linked to obesity and more particularly to insulin resistance. This thesis aimed to compare the effects of these omega-3 (ALA, EPA and DHA) on adipose and muscle metabolism. Through my research, I wish to provide new elements on the dialogue between tissues to better understand the mechanisms and mediators involved in the onset of metabolic disorders associated with obesity and sarcopenia. I was recently recruited as a lecturer within the ASMS team, a position in which I wish to participate in the technical and theoretical contribution on the effect of Nutrition in the inter-tissue dialogue and be a driving force in terms of educational innovation.

Research Activities

During obesity and sarcopenia, significant changes in body composition occur, with a lean mass/fat mass ratio favoring the latter. These changes are associated with metabolic disturbances such as insulin resistance. Are tissue secretions involved in these changes? What are the mediators? Can nutrition alter the secretory profile of tissues? To address this issue, I hope to develop in vitro co-culture models and conditioned media, and to develop techniques in the laboratory for isolating mediators involved in inter-tissue communication (miRNAs, microvesicles, etc.). All this while drawing on the laboratory's expertise in protein and lipid metabolism. I will then be able to assess the communication between adipose tissue and muscle. A first in vitro study carried out in the laboratory allowed us to observe that secretions from insulin-resistant adipocytes are capable of transmitting the alteration of insulin signaling to healthy differentiated muscle cells.

Publications

• Pinel, A., Rigaudière, J-P., Jouve, C., Capel F. (2018). Modulation of Insulin Resistance and the Adipocyte-Skeletal Muscle Cell Cross-Talk by LCn-3PUFA. Int J Mol Sci.
• Pinel, A., Pitois, E. et al. (2016). "EPA prevents fat mass expansion and metabolic disturbances in mice fed with a Western diet." J Lipid Res.
• Pinel, A., Rigaudiere, J-P., et al. (2015). "N-3PUFA differentially modulate palmitate-induced lipotoxicity through alterations of its metabolism in C2C12 muscle cells." Biochim Biophys Acta.
• Pinel, A., Morio-Liondore, B., Capel, F. (2014) N-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids modulate metabolism of insulin-sensitive tissues: implication for the prevention of type 2 diabetes. J Physiol Biochem.

Career and CV Elements

Since September 2018: Lecturer, INRA/UCA, Human Nutrition Unit, Clermont-Ferrand, France
Teaching Activities :
- UFR Medicine and Paramedical Professions, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand. 2nd year of the University Diploma of Technology, Biological Engineering, Dietetics Option ; 2nd year of the General Training Diploma in Medical Sciences (DFGSM2) ; 3rd year of the Bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, and Health, specializing in Health Sciences, Nutrition track; Master's degree in Biology and Health, Nutrition, Health, and Innovation track; University Diploma in Nutrition, Aggression, and Chronic Diseases.

- 2017-18: Temporary Teaching and Research Associate, Clermont Auvergne University, France.

- 2015-17: Research Engineer, INRA/UCA, Human Nutrition Unit, Clermont-Ferrand, France

- 2012-15: PhD, INRA/UCA, Human Nutrition Unit, Clermont-Ferrand, France