What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Cholesterol and Eye Health: 10/10 evidence, 34 publications.
You're viewing every possible genotype for this variant.
None of these is your result. Use the genotype toggle to compare them, then sign up and upload your DNA to see which one is yours.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Typical Cholesterol and Macular Degeneration Risk
Standard levels of HDL cholesterol and a typical baseline risk for age-related macular degeneration are expected with this genotype. Lacking the T allele keeps hepatic lipase enzyme activity at its typical level.
What this genotype means: Typical HDL cholesterol levels; Standard baseline risk for macular degeneration.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/T
Higher HDL Cholesterol and Lower Macular Degeneration Risk
Elevated levels of good HDL cholesterol and a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration are associated with this genotype. A single copy of the T allele slightly lowers hepatic lipase activity, allowing HDL particles to circulate longer.
What this genotype means: Moderately higher HDL cholesterol; Reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration; Slightly elevated triglycerides and LDL.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Highest HDL Cholesterol and Lowest Macular Degeneration Risk
The highest typical increase in good HDL cholesterol and the lowest risk of age-related macular degeneration are linked to this genotype. Two copies of the T allele significantly reduce hepatic lipase activity, preserving circulating HDL.
What this genotype means: Highest typical HDL cholesterol levels; Strongly reduced risk of macular degeneration; Elevated triglycerides and LDL cholesterol.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: LIPC encodes hepatic lipase, an enzyme synthesized in the liver that plays an essential role in lipid metabolism. It is primarily involved in converting intermediate-density lipoproteins to low-density lipoproteins, and in remodeling high-density lipoproteins (HDL). By hydrolyzing triglycerides and phospholipids in these particles, hepatic lipase helps regulate circulating lipid levels. Variations in this gene can alter enzyme activity, directly impacting blood lipid profiles and cardiovascular risk factors.
Variant Impact: The rs10468017 variant is located in the promoter region of the LIPC gene, where it directly influences gene expression. The minor T allele is associated with reduced promoter activity, leading to lower levels of hepatic lipase enzyme. This reduction in enzyme activity slows the breakdown of HDL particles, resulting in higher circulating levels of good HDL cholesterol. However, this same mechanism also leads to slight increases in other lipids, such as LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Key Insight: A genetic variant that raises cholesterol levels can actually protect your vision by reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
Location: LIPC. Chromosome 15 · 15q21.3 · 58.4 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 57.9%; European 51.0%; African 70.4%; East Asian 65.8%; South Asian 65.3%; Americas 60.6%; Ashkenazi 55.6%; Finnish 43.5%; Middle Eastern 53.5%; Amish 55.8%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Global 35.9%; European 40.8%; African 27.0%; East Asian 30.6%; South Asian 31.0%; Americas 34.5%; Ashkenazi 37.9%; Finnish 44.9%; Middle Eastern 39.3%; Amish 37.8%.
Estimated CT genotype frequency.
Global 6.2%; European 8.2%; African 2.6%; East Asian 3.6%; South Asian 3.7%; Americas 4.9%; Ashkenazi 6.5%; Finnish 11.6%; Middle Eastern 7.2%; Amish 6.4%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 19060906. Typical.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Typical.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 34610981. Typical.
Apolipoprotein A1. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 34610981. Typical.
Organ Systems
Vision & Eye Health
Macular Degeneration. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 20385826. Typical Risk.
Showing effects for C/T genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 19060906. Slightly Elevated.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Slightly Elevated.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 34610981. Slightly Elevated.
Apolipoprotein A1. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 34610981. Slightly Elevated.
Macular Degeneration. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 20385826. Reduced Risk.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 19060906. Elevated.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Elevated.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 34610981. Elevated.
Apolipoprotein A1. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 34610981. Elevated.
Macular Degeneration. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 20385826. Lowest Risk.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Standard expression of hepatic lipase occurs when two copies of the C allele are present. This enzyme actively breaks down high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles, keeping HDL cholesterol at a typical baseline level [1]. Lacking the T allele means there is no additional genetic boost to HDL levels [2]. Baseline risk for developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is also maintained [3]. Standard population rates of eye health changes are observed without the protective promoter variant [4].
Typical HDL cholesterol levels; Standard baseline risk for macular degeneration.
Sample genotype: CT (Heterozygous)
Reduced expression of hepatic lipase occurs with one copy of the T allele, slowing the clearance of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles from the bloodstream [1]. A moderate increase in circulating good HDL cholesterol levels is typically observed [2]. A significantly lower risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is also associated with this genotype [3]. Altered lipid processing in the retina may prevent the accumulation of damaging deposits known as drusen [4]. Slight increases in total cholesterol and triglycerides can also occur because hepatic lipase helps clear other lipids [5]. Favorable eye health and HDL levels are the primary outcomes, though standard cardiovascular monitoring remains beneficial [6].
Moderately higher HDL cholesterol; Reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration; Slightly elevated triglycerides and LDL.
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
A pronounced reduction in hepatic lipase expression and activity occurs when two copies of the T allele are present [1]. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles remain in circulation much longer, leading to the highest typical levels of HDL cholesterol [2]. A strongly reduced risk of developing both dry and wet forms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is also observed [3]. Lower enzyme activity is believed to protect the delicate tissues of the eye by altering lipid homeostasis and reducing drusen accumulation [4]. Modest increases in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides can also occur as a result of reduced hepatic lipase activity [5]. These minor lipid elevations are a natural trade-off but are generally outweighed by the protective benefits [6]. Balanced lifestyle choices and regular eye exams help maximize these genetic advantages [7].
Highest typical HDL cholesterol levels; Strongly reduced risk of macular degeneration; Elevated triglycerides and LDL cholesterol.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs1077834 · LIPC Gene · Chr 15 · Cholesterol and Liver Health
rs1077835 · LIPC Gene · Chr 15 · HDL Cholesterol Levels
rs113298164 · LIPC Gene · Chr 15 · HDL and Triglycerides
Common variants at 30 loci contribute to polygenic dyslipidemia.
Genome-wide association study of metabolic syndrome in Korean populations.
A large electronic-health-record-based genome-wide study of serum lipids.
Content updated August 2026.
ReadYourDNA provides educational interpretation of DNA data you already have. It is not diagnostic, not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to a clinician before acting on any result.
Raw DNA Data Reports for 23andMe & AncestryDNA · About ReadYourDNA · FAQ · Methodology & Science · Pricing · Support and complaints · Legal & Contact · Health Traits · Pharmacogenomics · Carrier Status · Variant Explorer · The Human Karyotype · Privacy Policy · Terms of Service · Accessibility · Consumer Health Data Privacy · Your Privacy Choices · Editorial Standards · Your Data, Checkable · Sample Report · ReadYourDNA and Promethease compared · What is inside a 23andMe raw data file · What is inside an AncestryDNA raw data file · What a chatbot can and cannot do with your raw DNA file · Where a raw DNA file can still be uploaded in 2026
Written, maintained and operated by Martin Pechhacker, sole proprietor, Vienna, Austria. Trade register GISA 40064420. support@readyourdna.com