What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Cholesterol and Liver Health: 10/10 evidence, 22 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Typical Lipid Profile and Liver Enzymes
Standard hepatic lipase activity maintains baseline lipid processing. This genotype is associated with typical levels of HDL cholesterol and average liver enzyme measurements.
What this genotype means: Typical HDL cholesterol levels; Standard liver enzyme levels.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Optimal HDL and Lower Liver Enzymes
Two copies of the C allele are linked to the highest levels of protective HDL cholesterol. This genotype also correlates with lower liver enzymes and larger, healthier LDL particles.
What this genotype means: Highest HDL cholesterol levels; Lowest liver enzyme levels; Larger LDL particle size.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/C
Slightly Higher HDL and Lower Liver Enzymes
Carrying one copy of the beneficial C allele is linked to slightly higher HDL cholesterol. It also correlates with lower liver enzymes, indicating a favorable metabolic profile.
What this genotype means: Slightly elevated HDL cholesterol; Slightly lower liver enzymes; Slightly higher triglycerides.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The LIPC gene encodes hepatic lipase, an enzyme synthesized and secreted primarily by the liver [1]. This enzyme plays a critical role in lipoprotein metabolism by hydrolyzing triglycerides and phospholipids in circulating lipoproteins [1]. It helps convert larger, triglyceride-rich HDL particles into smaller, denser HDL particles, and facilitates the clearance of remnants [1]. Genetic variations in this gene are major determinants of blood lipid levels, particularly high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [2].
Variant Impact: Located in the promoter region of the LIPC gene, rs1077834 is a single nucleotide polymorphism that influences gene transcription and hepatic lipase activity [2]. The C allele of this variant is in strong linkage disequilibrium with other promoter variants known to reduce hepatic lipase expression [2]. Lower hepatic lipase activity slows the breakdown of large HDL particles, resulting in higher circulating levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol [2]. Conversely, the T allele is associated with higher enzyme activity, leading to more rapid clearance of HDL and lower blood levels of this protective lipid [3].
Key Insight: Slower breakdown of HDL cholesterol by hepatic lipase actually keeps protective cholesterol in your bloodstream longer.
Location: LIPC. Chromosome 15 · 15q21.3 · 58.4 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 46.0%; European 60.8%; African 23.5%; East Asian 34.0%; South Asian 51.8%; Americas 32.4%; Ashkenazi 64.8%; Finnish 52.2%; Middle Eastern 60.1%; Amish 77.3%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Global 41.1%; European 34.3%; African 50.0%; East Asian 48.6%; South Asian 40.3%; Americas 49.0%; Ashkenazi 31.4%; Finnish 40.1%; Middle Eastern 34.8%; Amish 21.3%.
Estimated TC genotype frequency.
Global 12.9%; European 4.8%; African 26.5%; East Asian 17.4%; South Asian 7.8%; Americas 18.6%; Ashkenazi 3.8%; Finnish 7.7%; Middle Eastern 5.0%; Amish 1.5%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Typical.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Typical.
LDL Particle Size. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 34610981. Typical.
Organ Systems
Liver Function & Disease
Liver Enzyme Levels. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 34315874. Typical.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Highest.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Highest.
LDL Particle Size. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 34610981. Largest.
Liver Enzyme Levels. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 34315874. Lowest.
Showing effects for T/C genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Slightly Higher.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Slightly Higher.
LDL Particle Size. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 34610981. Slightly Larger.
Liver Enzyme Levels. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 34315874. Slightly Lower.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Standard hepatic lipase activity is maintained by this genotype, which represents the most common genetic profile globally. Individuals with this profile typically exhibit baseline levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and standard triglyceride clearance [1]. Because hepatic lipase efficiently processes HDL particles, circulating levels of HDL remain at typical baseline levels rather than being elevated [1]. Additionally, this genotype is associated with typical baseline levels of liver enzymes like alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) [2]. While it does not confer the lipid-boosting benefits of the minor C allele, it represents the standard reference profile for cardiovascular and metabolic health [1]. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise remains the primary way to support optimal lipid levels for those with this common genetic baseline [3].
Typical HDL cholesterol levels; Standard liver enzyme levels.
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Two copies of the beneficial C allele significantly lower hepatic lipase activity, leading to the highest levels of protective HDL cholesterol [1]. Slower breakdown of lipoprotein particles allows large, buoyant HDL and LDL particles to remain in the bloodstream, which is generally considered a highly favorable cardiovascular profile [2]. Triglyceride levels trend higher than the typical genotype, since reduced hepatic lipase activity leaves triglyceride in circulating particles rather than clearing it [3]. Furthermore, this profile is strongly associated with lower levels of liver enzymes like alanine aminotransferase (ALT), suggesting a lower risk of liver stress or fat accumulation [4]. These combined lipid and metabolic benefits provide a natural shield that supports long-term cardiovascular health [1]. While genetics provide a strong foundation, maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle helps maximize these protective cardiovascular effects [5].
Highest HDL cholesterol levels; Lowest liver enzyme levels; Larger LDL particle size; Higher triglycerides.
Sample genotype: TC (Heterozygous)
Carrying a single copy of the beneficial C allele gently reduces hepatic lipase activity, allowing larger HDL particles to persist longer in circulation [1]. This slower clearance translates to a modest increase in protective HDL cholesterol levels [1]. Triglyceride levels tend to run slightly higher than the common baseline genotype, because the same reduced hepatic lipase activity that preserves HDL also leaves more triglyceride in circulating particles [2]. Beyond blood lipids, this genetic profile is associated with lower circulating levels of liver enzymes, specifically alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which can be a marker of reduced liver stress [3]. The combination of higher HDL and lower liver enzymes suggests a favorable metabolic and cardiovascular profile [1]. Engaging in regular physical activity can further enhance these natural genetic advantages by boosting HDL levels even more [4].
Slightly elevated HDL cholesterol; Slightly lower liver enzymes; Slightly higher triglycerides.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs10468017 · LIPC Gene · Chr 15 · Cholesterol and Eye Health
rs1077835 · LIPC Gene · Chr 15 · HDL Cholesterol Levels
rs113298164 · LIPC Gene · Chr 15 · HDL and Triglycerides
A large electronic-health-record-based genome-wide study of serum lipids.
Genetic analyses of diverse populations improves discovery for complex traits.
Content updated August 2026.
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