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Triokinase/FMN cyclase (Tkfc) is involved in fructose metabolism and is responsible for the phosphorylation of glyceraldehyde to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate. In this study, we showed that refeeding induced hepatic expression of Tkfc in mice. Luciferase reporter gene assays using the Tkfc promoter revealed the existence of 2 hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α)-responsive elements (HNF4RE1 and HNF4RE2) and 1 carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein (ChREBP)-responsive element (ChoRE1). Deletion and mutation of HNF4RE1 and HNF4RE2 or ChoRE1 abolished HNF4α and ChREBP responsiveness, respectively. HNF4α and ChREBP synergistically stimulated Tkfc promoter activity. ChoRE1 mutation attenuated but maintained HNF4α responsiveness, whereas HNF4RE1 and HNF4RE2 mutations abolished ChREBP responsiveness. Moreover, Tkfc promoter activity stimulation by ChREBP was attenuated upon HNF4α knockdown. Furthermore, Tkfc expression was decreased in the livers of ChREBP −/− and liver-specific HNF4 −/− (Hnf4α ΔHep) mice. Altogether, our data indicate that Tkfc is a target gene of ChREBP and HNF4α, and Tkfc promoter activity stimulation by ChREBP requires HNF4α. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although caregiver burden is not a direct cause of elder abuse and neglect, research in Japan indicates that stressful caregiving relationships can lead to mistreatment and abuse of frail elders by their families. At the present time, there is no formal notification system for elder abuse in Japan. The purpose of this paper is to discuss crisis intervention strategies that are implemented by social workers at Home Care Support Centers when encountering cases of mistreatment, neglect, and abuse in family caregiving situations. We present the demographic background of elders and their families and review findings of elder abuse studies conducted by Japanese researchers. We then offer three cases to illustrate intervention strategies employed by social workers who work at Home Care Support Centers in an agricultural area in northeastern Japan, including (1) ongoing monitoring, (2) arrangements for formal services, and (3) institutionalization. Cultural issues unique to family caregiving situations are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]