Renaturierung kleiner Lössbäche – ein Beitrag der Ökologischen Landwirtschaft zum Naturschutz

As a part of the interdisciplinary research project ”Integration of nature protection goals with organic farming: an the example from the Hessian ”state domain” [Staatsdomäne] area Frankenhausen”, different restoration measures have been carried out within this site, 15 km north of Kassel. Since 1998, intensive conventional agricultural practices have been substituted with organic farming here. One intention of the agricultural restructuring was to realise nature protection goals in cooperation with sustainable organic agricultural production. The hydrologic portion of the project addresses both the implementation of restoration measures in rivers and streams and their scientific monitoring. Starting in July 2007, several restoration measures were carried out in the hydrologic systems of the Jungfernbach and Esse streams within the Frankenhausen site. Both systems are formed by typical loess streams (catchment size about 9 km2) which had been heavily degraded for several hundred years by intensive agriculture. The most important restoration measures were removal of a piped section of a tributary of the Jungfernbach at Totenhof, restoration of biological passability by removal of weirs and substitution of narrow pipes under farm paths, relocation of a section of the Jungfernbach from the edge of the floodplain to its original location in the centre, widening of narrow sections and partial raising of the deepened stream bed by means of rough ramps (stone bars) and racks made of oak wood or iron. These physical restoration measures were accompanied by a scientific monitoring programme comprising morphological, hydrochemical and biological (aquatic macrophytes, aquatic macroinvertebrates, fish and amphibians) aspects. The aim of this study was to document the original ecological conditions, the restoration measures and the early ecological effects on the stream sections for the first six months following restoration as a basis for further ecological monitoring. The restoration measures effected clear morphological changes in cross-section and passability. The chemical condition of the streams showed slight changes in some aspects following the restoration, e. g. a reduction of phosphorus, magnesium and potassium concentration. Other than macrophytic algae in the newly shaped sections, aquatic macrophytes did not develop over the winter season before the end of the monitoring phase in April 2008. Within the newly shaped stream sections of a small tributary and of the Jungfernbach, up to 14 aquatic macroinvertebrate taxa started to colonise the new habitats 6 months after restoration. Fish fauna were very poorly represented in the streams and included only a few specimens of brown trout (Salmo trutta). This did not change markedly after restoration, possibly due to the isolation of the population caused by impassable weirs downstream of the investigation area.In einem interdisziplinären „Entwicklungs- und Erprobungs-Vorhaben“ der Universität Kassel „Die Integration von Naturschutzzielen in den Ökologischen Landbau am Beispiel der Hessischen Staatsdomäne Frankenhausen“ wurden unterschiedliche Naturschutz-Maßnahmen auf dem Domänengelände durchgeführt. Seit 1998 wird die Staatsdomäne Frankenhausen, die ca. 15 km nördlich von Kassel liegt, ökologisch bewirtschaftet. Ein Aspekt bei der Umstellung auf ökologische Landwirtschaft war die Umsetzung von naturschutz-orientierten Maßnahmen, die in Kooperation mit dem landwirtschaftlichen Betrieb umgesetzt wurden. Ein gewässerökologisches Teilprojekt umfasste unterschiedliche Entwicklungsmaßnahmen an und in Bächen des Jungfernbach- und Esse-Systems auf dem Gelände der Staatsdomäne ab Juli 2007. Beide Bachsysteme (Einzugsgebietsgröße jeweils ca. 9 km2) werden von typischen lössgeprägten Bördenbächen gebildet. Löss-Gebiete zählen zu den durch intensive Landwirtschaft am tiefgreifendsten veränderten Gebieten Deutschlands. Folgende wesentliche Renaturierungsmaßnahmen wurden auf dem Domänengelände umgesetzt: Entfernung der Verrohrung, Offenlegung und Neugestaltung eines Nebenbaches des Jungfernbaches am Totenhof, Rückverlegung eines Jungfernbach-Abschnitts vom Rand der Aue in seine ursprüngliche Lage im Zentrum der Aue nach historischen Angaben, Wiederherstellung der biologischen Durchgängigkeit durch die Entfernung von Wehren und den Ersatz von unpassierbaren Wege-Durchlässen durch voluminösere Durchlässe mit durchgängiger Sohle, partielle Aufweitung enger Querprofile und Anhebung der Gewässersohle durch Stein-Riegel und Sohlrechen aus Stahl oder Eichenholz. Die Maßnahmen wurden von einem wissenschaftlichen Monitoringvorhaben begleitet. Hauptaspekte der wissenschaftlichen Begleitung waren morphologische, hydrochemische und biologische Untersuchungen aquatischer Makrophyten, des Makrozoobenthos, der Fischfauna und der Amphibien. Sie dienten der Erfassung des ökologischen Status quo der Gewässer vor Durchführung der Maßnahmen und der Dokumentation der ökologischen Situation der Gewässer im Anschluss an die Maßnahmen als Basis für die Beobachtung der künftigen Gewässerentwicklung. Die Renaturierungsmaßnahmen induzierten markante Veränderungen der morphologischen Situation der ehemals zu engen und tiefen Querprofile und verbesserten die biologische Durchgängigkeit auf dem Domänengelände. An den Sohlrechen fand während der Folgemonate nach der Renaturierung wegen zu geringer Wasserführung nur ein geringer Totholztransport und damit noch keine erkennbare Sohlanhebung statt. Die chemischen Qualitätsparameter zeigten bei einigen Wasserinhaltsstoffen (z. B. bei Phosphor, Magnesium und Kalium) einen Rückgang der Konzentrationen, der seine Ursachen im Verzicht auf mineralische Düngung mit diesen Stoffen in der ökologischen Landwirtschaft haben könnte. Bei den Wasserpflanzen traten in den neu gestalteten Gewässerabschnitten unmittelbar nach den Renaturierungsmaßnahmen Pionierbestände makrophytischer Algen wie Spirogyra, Cladophora und Vaucheria auf. Über die Herbst- und Wintermonate nach Abschluss der Maßnahmen im Oktober 2009 bis zum Ende der Monitoring-Phase im April 2008 konnten sich noch keine Makrophytenbestände in den neu gestalteten Gewässerabschnitten entwickeln. Im Gegensatz hierzu fand in diesem Zeitraum eine rasche Ansiedlung von 14 Wirbellosen-Taxa im Jungfernbach und 13 Taxa im kleinen, offengelegten und neu gestalteten Bach am Totenhof statt. In diesem Nebengewässer siedelten sich zahlreiche für Lössbache charakteristische Makroinvertebraten bachaufwärts aus dem Jungfernbach heraus an. Die sehr spärliche Fischpopulation, die aus wenigen Bachforellen in einem einzigen Gewässerabschnitt bestand, veränderte sich infolge ihrer räumlichen Isolation durch unterhalb des Untersuchungsraums gelegene Wehre nicht nennenswert

Casein Α S1 Is Expressed By Human Monocytes And Upregulates The Production Of GM-CSF Via P38 MAPK

Caseins are major constituents of mammalian milks that are thought to be exclusively expressed in mammary glands and to function primarily as a protein source, as well as to ameliorate intestinal calcium uptake. In addition, proinflammatory and immunomodulatory properties have been reported for bovine caseins. Our aim was to investigate whether human casein α s1 (CSN1S1) is expressed outside the mammary gland and possesses immunomodulatory functions in humans as well. For this purpose, CSN1S1 mRNA was detected in primary human monocytes and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, but not in CD19 + B cells. CSN1S1 protein was traceable in supernatants of cultured primary human CD14+ monocytes by ELISA. Similarly, CSN1S1 mRNA and protein were detected in the human monocytic cell lines HL60, U937, and THP1 but not in Mono Mac 6 cells. Moreover, permeabilized human monocytes and HL60 cells could be stained by immunofluorescence, indicating intracellular expression. Recombinant human CSN1S1 was bound to the surface of Mono Mac 6 cells and upregulated the expression of GM-CSF mRNA in primary human monocytes and Mono Mac 6 cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. A similar increase in GM-CSF protein was found in the culture supernatants. CSN1S1-dependent upregulation of GM-CSF was specifically blocked by the addition of the p38 MAPK inhibitor ML3403. Our results indicated that human CSN1S1 may possess an immunomodulatory role beyond its nutritional function in milk. It is expressed in human monocytes and stimulates the expression of the proinflammatory cytokine GM-CSF. Copyright © 2010 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc

Autoantibodies to aS1-Casein Are Induced by Breast-Feeding

Background: The generation of antibodies is impaired in newborns due to an immature immune system and reduced exposure to pathogens due to maternally derived antibodies and placental functions. During nursing, the immune system of newborns is challenged with multiple milk-derived proteins. Amongst them, caseins are the main constituent. In particular, human aS1-casein (CSN1S1) was recently shown to possess immunomodulatory properties. We were thus interested to determine if auto-antibodies to CSN1S1 are induced by breast-feeding and may be sustained into adulthood. Methods: 62 sera of healthy adult individuals who were (n = 37) or were not (n = 25) breast-fed against human CSN1S1 were investigated by a new SD (surface display)-ELISA. For cross-checking, these sera were tested for anti Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibodies by a commercial ELISA. Results: IgG-antibodies were predominantly detected in individuals who had been nursed. At a cut-off value of 0.4, the SDELISA identified individuals with a history of having been breast-fed with a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 92%. Under these conditions, 35 out of 37 sera from healthy donors, who where breast-fed, reacted positively but only 5 sera of the 25 donors who were not breast-fed. The duration of breast-feeding was of no consequence to the antibody reaction as some healthy donors were only short term breast-fed (5 days minimum until 6 weeks maximum), but exhibited significant serum reaction against human CSN1S1 nonetheless. Conclusion: We postulate that human CSN1S1 is an autoantigen. The antigenicity is orally determined, caused by breastfeeding, and sustained into adulthood

Autoantibodies to αS1-Casein Are Induced by Breast-Feeding

BACKGROUND: The generation of antibodies is impaired in newborns due to an immature immune system and reduced exposure to pathogens due to maternally derived antibodies and placental functions. During nursing, the immune system of newborns is challenged with multiple milk-derived proteins. Amongst them, caseins are the main constituent. In particular, human αS1-casein (CSN1S1) was recently shown to possess immunomodulatory properties. We were thus interested to determine if auto-antibodies to CSN1S1 are induced by breast-feeding and may be sustained into adulthood. METHODS: 62 sera of healthy adult individuals who were (n = 37) or were not (n = 25) breast-fed against human CSN1S1 were investigated by a new SD (surface display)-ELISA. For cross-checking, these sera were tested for anti Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibodies by a commercial ELISA. RESULTS: IgG-antibodies were predominantly detected in individuals who had been nursed. At a cut-off value of 0.4, the SD-ELISA identified individuals with a history of having been breast-fed with a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 92%. Under these conditions, 35 out of 37 sera from healthy donors, who where breast-fed, reacted positively but only 5 sera of the 25 donors who were not breast-fed. The duration of breast-feeding was of no consequence to the antibody reaction as some healthy donors were only short term breast-fed (5 days minimum until 6 weeks maximum), but exhibited significant serum reaction against human CSN1S1 nonetheless. CONCLUSION: We postulate that human CSN1S1 is an autoantigen. The antigenicity is orally determined, caused by breast-feeding, and sustained into adulthood

Serum reaction against human CSN1S1 in probands who were breast-fed for a short period of time.

<p>Eight probands who were breast fed for a short period of time (5 d–42 d), showed an increased antibody reaction against CSN1S1 in comparison to control persons, who were not breast-fed. (dotted line = cut-off value from <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0032716#pone-0032716-g004" target="_blank">Fig. 4</a>).</p

Analyzing the serum reaction against human CSN1S1 with respect to formula-fed and breast-fed test persons.

<p>4.1) For each cut-off value, sensitivity and specificity were calculated to choose the optimal cut-off value for the assay which was 0.4. sensitivity; ▪ specificity ▴ 4.2) The 62 probands were divided into two collectives (formula-fed and breast-fed). 25 of the 62 volunteers were formula-fed and 37 were breast-fed. Only 5 sera of the formula-fed collective have an absorption value over 0.4 and 2 sera of the breast-fed collective have an absorption value under 0.4. (dotted line = cut-off value).</p

Surface accessibility of human CSN1S1 on <i>E. coli</i>.

<p>2.1) SDS-PAGE of outer membrane protein preparations from <i>E. coli</i> UT5600(DE3) pKP010 which were incubated without trypsin (lane 1) and cells which were treated with trypsin (lane 2). OmpF/C and OmpA are natural outer membrane proteins of <i>E. coli</i>, and can be used as reporters for successful outer membrane protein preparations. 2.2) Flow cytometer analysis of <i>E. coli</i> cells displaying αS1-casein. (A) <i>E. coli</i> UT5600(DE3) pKP010 were incubated with a polyclonal rabbit antiserum against CSN1S1 casein and subsequently with a secondary antibody conjugated with FITC. (B) The mean fluorescence of <i>E. coli</i> UT5600(DE3) pKP010 was 10,071. The value of the fluorescence for <i>E. coli</i> UT5600(DE3) cells without a plasmid, used as a negative control, was 464. 2.3) Fluorescence microscopy of both cell types. The cells were treated identically as described for flow cytometer analysis (2.2). (A) <i>E. coli</i> UT5600(DE3) pKP010 ; (B) <i>E. coli</i> UT5600(DE3) as negative control; (C) <i>E. coli</i> UT5600(DE3) as negative control, transmission light control.</p

Analyzing the IgM serum reaction against human CSN1S1 with respect to formula-fed and breast-fed test persons.

<p>61 of the 62 sera shown in <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0032716#pone-0032716-g003" target="_blank">Fig. 3</a> were divided into two consortia, a formula-fed and breast-fed, as it is shown for the IgG mediated response in <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0032716#pone-0032716-g004" target="_blank">Fig. 4</a>. The formula-fed consortium comprises the sera of 25 volunteers, whereas within the breast-fed consortium 36 sera were analyzed.</p

Antibody reaction against bovine αS1-casein.

<p>(A) Antibody reaction against <i>E. coli</i> UT5600(DE3) pSH3 (control, lane1), <i>E. coli</i> UT5600(DE3) displaying human CSN1S1 (lane 2) and E. coli UT5600(DE3) displaying bovine CSN1S1 (lane3) measured by SD-ELISA with a rabbit polyclonal anti- bovine CSN1S1 antibody. For detection a goat HRP conjugated anti rabbit antibody was used according to the conditions described for <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0032716#pone-0032716-g003" target="_blank">Fig. 3</a>. (B) The antibody reaction against <i>E. coli</i> UT5600(DE3) pSH3 (control, black columns) and <i>E. coli</i> UT5600(DE3) displaying bovine CSN1S1 (white columns) were analyzed at different concentrations of the rabbit polyclonal anti-bovine CSN1S1 antiserum or in PBS with 3% FCS as negative control. (C) The SD ELISA against bovine CSN1S1 was repeated three times independently in triplicates at the highest antibody concentration applied (200 ng/ml) with <i>E. coli</i> UT5600(DE3)SH3 (control, lanes 1–3) and <i>E. coli</i> UT5600(DE3) displaying bovine CSN1S1 (lane4–6) in order to test the reproducibility.</p

IgM reaction against human CSN1S1 in human sera.

<p>61 of the 62 sera shown in <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0032716#pone-0032716-g003" target="_blank">Fig. 3</a> with the IgG reaction on human CSN1S1 were analyzed for an IgM mediated serum response on the same antigen by SD-ELISA. Each serum was tested three times, the mean was calculated and shown as columns. SD of each mean is given as a line.</p