Atherosclerosis remains a great threat to human health worldwide. Previous studies found that tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) and paeonif lorin (PF) combination (TMP-PF) exerts anti-atherosclerotic effects in vitro. However, whether TMP-PF improves atherosclerosis in vivo needs further exploration. The present study aims to assess the anti-atherosclerotic properties of TMP-PF in ApoE^-/- mice and explore the related molecule mechanisms. Results showed that TMP and high-dose TMP-PF decreased serum triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, suppressed vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 (NR4A1) expression in aortic tissues, inhibited plaque angiogenesis, reduced plaque areas, and alleviated atherosclerosis in ApoE^-/- mice. Also, TMP-PF exhibited a better modulation effect than TMP or PF alone. However, NR4A1 agonist abolished the anti-atherosclerotic effects of TMP-PF. In conclusion, TMP-PF was first found to alleviate atherosclerosis progression by reducing hyperlipemia and inhibiting plaque angiogenesis via the NR4A1/VEGFR2 pathway, indicating that TMP-PF had a positive effect on reducing hyperlipemia and attenuating atherosclerosis development.

T cell development and remodeling during aging are crucial for immune health in late life and human healthspan. In this review, we delve into the mechanisms underlying these processes, with a focus on thymus development and involution, and their implications in immune function for older adults. We examine T cell subset development, including conventional naïve and regulatory T cells, effector and memory subsets, and unique subsets like γδ T cells, mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, and natural killer T (NKT) cells. Our insights highlight the importance of enhancing immune function in older individuals and suggest potential strategies for overcoming the obstacles in studying T cell development and aging.