Objective To reveal the distribution characteristics of serum lipids,lipoproteins,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/H2)were assessed in 773 Kazaks(men 360 and women 413)and 911 Han nationality(men 466 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 levels of TG(men P ＜ 0.01,women P ＜ 0.001),Lp(a)(allP＜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%)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 serum levels of lipids,lipoproteins,and apolipoproteins,and Kazaks have a superior serum lipid pedigree to Hans.This differences may come from genetic differences,which affect the serum levels of lipids,lipoproteins,and apolipoproteins by controlling lipid metabolism pattems.Future study will be needed to dissect to the role of genetic factors on serum lipids.