Nationality differences in distributions of serum lipids, lipoproteins andapolipoproteins levels in Xinjiang China

Objective To reveal the distribution characteristics of serum lipids, lipop roteins, and apolipoproteins levels in different nationalities. Methods Quantitative levels of those traits mentioned above were determined and body height (H), weight (W) and body mass index (BMI = W/H-2) were ass essed in 773 Kazaks (men 360 and women 413) and 911 Han nationality (men 46 6 and women 445) from the Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China. Results Kazaks men and women, respectively, had significantly higher serum levels of HDL-c and ApoA1 (all P < 0.001) and significantly lower serum lev els of TG (men P < 0.01, women P < 0.001), Lp(a) (all P < 0.005), ApoB ( me n P < 0.005, women P < 0.001) and ApoB/A1 ( men P < 0.01, women P < 0.001) than their Han nationality controls. The threshold points of ApoA1 ( < 1.2 g/L) and ApoB ( > 1.2 g/L) are higher in Hans than in Kazaks for ApoA1 (20. 7 vs 9.8%) and ApoB (18.6 vs 14.3%); the serum levels of TG, HDL-c, Lp(a), ApoA1 and ApoB/A1 are all closely correlated with nationality ( P < 0.001, P =0.001, and P < 0.05, respectively). Conclusion The results suggest that the nationality differences exist in se rum levels of lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins, and Kazaks have a superior serum lipid pedigree to Hans. This differences may come from genet ic differences, which affect the serum levels of lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins by controlling lipid metabolism patterns. Future study will be needed to dissect to the role of genetic factors on serum lipids.