To test the hypothesis that Stra6 expression attenuates ischemic injury-induced HF following MI by vitamin A-dependent mechanisms, we subjected Lrat−/− and DKO mice to a vitamin A-deficient diet starting at 4- to 6 weeks of age (groups indicated as “VitAD” and “Stra6−/− × VitAD” respectively). Here, STRA6 is linked to hydrops fetalis.