Comparison of plasma lipoproteins and apoproteins in Chinese and American non-insulin-dependent diabetic subjects and controls.

Abstract

Plasma lipoproteins and apoproteins were compared among Chinese and American controls and non-insulin-dependent diabetic (NIDDM) subjects in the same laboratory. Apoprotein AI concentrations in Chinese subjects, both NIDDM subjects and controls (men, 147 and 158 mg/dl, respectively), were significantly higher than those in American subjects (men, 104 and 124 mg/dl, respectively). Apoprotein AII concentrations, however, were comparable between Chinese and American subjects. Chinese NIDDM subjects had lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), and higher apoprotein B levels than Chinese controls. Chinese subjects with NIDDM had HDLC and LDLC levels similar to those of American controls but trends of higher HDLC and lower LDLC compared with American subjects with NIDDM. These differences may in part explain the relatively higher incidence of atherosclerotic vascular disease in Americans.