Figure 9.

This schematic diagram elucidates the pathways by which an ischemia-induced upregulation of SLC40A1 and Steap4 exacerbated mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, thereby contributing to the progression of heart failure. The upregulation of SLC40A1 and Steap4, induced by ischemia, promotes the efflux of iron from cardiomyocytes. Consequently, the reduction in iron and NADPH content within cardiomyocytes further exacerbates mitochondrial dysfunction and enhances the accumulation of ROS. This cascade of events culminates in cell apoptosis, ultimately leading to the onset of heart failure.