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

Objective To reveal the distribution characteristics of serum lipids, lipoproteins,and apo lipoproteins levels in different nationalities. Methods Quantitative levels of those traits mentioned above were determined and body hei ght (H), weight (W) and body mass index (BMI=W/H(2)) were assessed in 773 Kazaks (men 360 and women 413) and 911 Han nationality (men 466 and women 445) from th e 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 levels of TG (men P<0.01, women P<0.001), Lp(a) (all P<0.005), ApoB (men 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%) a nd 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 serum levels of li pids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins, and Kazaks have a superior serum lipid pedigree to Hans. This differences may come from genetic differences, which aff ect the serum levels of lipids, lipoproteins,and apolipoproteins by controlling lipid metabolism patterns. Future study will be needed to dissect to the role o f genetic factors on serum lipids.