What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
HDL and Triglycerides: 10/10 evidence, 8 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Typical Lipid Levels
Having two copies of the common C allele is associated with typical hepatic lipase activity. This results in standard baseline levels of HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and other circulating lipids.
What this genotype means: Typical hepatic lipase activity; Standard baseline HDL cholesterol; Typical triglyceride levels.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/T
Elevated HDL and Triglycerides
A single copy of the T allele is linked to reduced hepatic lipase activity. This leads to a unique lipid profile characterized by higher levels of both good HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
What this genotype means: Reduced hepatic lipase activity; Elevated HDL cholesterol; Increased triglyceride levels.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Significantly Higher Triglycerides and HDL
Two copies of the T allele are extremely rare and lead to a pronounced reduction in hepatic lipase activity. This genotype is associated with highly elevated HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and a risk of hepatic lipase deficiency.
What this genotype means: Severe hepatic lipase deficiency risk; Highly elevated triglycerides; Significantly increased HDL cholesterol.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: LIPC encodes hepatic lipase, an enzyme synthesized in the liver that plays a critical role in lipoprotein metabolism [1]. It is responsible for clearing triglycerides and phospholipids from circulating lipoproteins, including high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) [1]. Reduced activity of this enzyme leads to impaired lipid clearance, resulting in altered blood lipid profiles [2]. This gene is highly expressed in the liver and is a major determinant of circulating HDL cholesterol levels [1] [2].
Variant Impact: A missense mutation in the LIPC gene changes the amino acid threonine to methionine at position 405 (p.Thr405Met) [2]. This structural change reduces the enzymatic activity of hepatic lipase, slowing down the breakdown of lipids [1]. As a result, carriers of the variant allele exhibit significantly altered levels of circulating lipids and lipoproteins [2] [1]. The variant is particularly prevalent in populations of Finnish ancestry but remains rare globally [1].
Key Insight: This variant causes a unique lipid profile where both good HDL cholesterol and triglycerides are elevated simultaneously.
Location: LIPC. Chromosome 15 · 15q21.3 · 58.6 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 99.4%; European 99.3%; African 99.9%; East Asian 100.0%; South Asian > 99.9%; Americas 99.8%; Ashkenazi 100.0%; Finnish 97.1%; Middle Eastern 100.0%; Amish 100.0%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Global 0.6%; European 0.7%; African 0.1%; East Asian 0.0%; South Asian < 0.1%; Americas 0.2%; Ashkenazi 0.0%; Finnish 2.9%; Middle Eastern 0.0%; Amish 0.0%.
Estimated CT genotype frequency.
Global < 0.1%; European < 0.1%; African < 0.1%; East Asian 0.0%; South Asian < 0.1%; Americas < 0.1%; Ashkenazi 0.0%; Finnish < 0.1%; Middle Eastern 0.0%; Amish 0.0%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 34226706. Typical.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 34226706. Typical.
Apolipoprotein A1. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 34226706. Typical.
Hepatic Lipase Activity. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 34226706. Typical.
Showing effects for C/T genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 34226706. Elevated.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 34226706. Elevated.
Apolipoprotein A1. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 34226706. Elevated.
Hepatic Lipase Activity. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 34226706. Reduced.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 34226706. Significantly Higher.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 34226706. Significantly Higher.
Apolipoprotein A1. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 34226706. Significantly Higher.
Hepatic Lipase Activity. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 34226706. Deficient.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Two copies of the common C allele represent the genetic baseline for the LIPC gene, which is carried by the vast majority of the global population. Production of fully functional hepatic lipase allows the body to efficiently process and clear fats from the bloodstream [1]. Consequently, baseline levels of HDL cholesterol and triglycerides are maintained without the genetic elevations seen in carriers of the variant [1] [2]. No increased risk of hepatic lipase deficiency or associated lipid imbalances is present at this specific locus [2]. Standard cardiovascular health guidelines and routine lipid panels remain the most relevant measures for monitoring heart health [1]. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise supports healthy lipid levels in these individuals. The absence of the variant allele means that hepatic lipase activity is not genetically compromised. Therefore, any variations in lipid levels are typically driven by lifestyle factors or other genetic loci.
Typical hepatic lipase activity; Standard baseline HDL cholesterol; Typical triglyceride levels.
Sample genotype: CT (Heterozygous)
A single copy of the T allele reduces the efficiency of the hepatic lipase enzyme in clearing circulating lipids [1]. This reduction in enzyme activity leads to a distinct lipid signature, most notably an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often referred to as good cholesterol [1] [2]. However, because hepatic lipase also clears triglycerides, carriers also experience elevated triglyceride levels and increased circulating fatty acids [2]. While high HDL is generally considered protective, the concurrent rise in triglycerides creates a complex cardiovascular profile [1]. This heterozygous state is relatively rare globally but is found in about three percent of individuals of Finnish descent [2]. Standard lipid panels will reflect these genetically driven shifts in cholesterol fractions. Monitoring both HDL and triglycerides is particularly useful for understanding overall cardiovascular risk. Lifestyle modifications such as a low-fat diet can help manage the elevated triglyceride levels associated with this variant.
Reduced hepatic lipase activity; Elevated HDL cholesterol; Increased triglyceride levels.
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Two copies of the T allele cause a severe reduction in hepatic lipase enzyme function [1]. This condition, known as hepatic lipase deficiency, dramatically impairs the body's ability to process and clear lipoproteins from the blood [1] [2]. Highly elevated levels of HDL cholesterol typically present alongside significantly increased triglycerides and circulating fatty acids [2]. Although high HDL is usually favorable, the severe accumulation of triglycerides and other lipid fractions can increase the risk of premature cardiovascular issues [1]. This genotype is exceptionally rare, occurring in fewer than one in one hundred thousand individuals globally [2]. This genotype carries a potential risk of pancreatitis or early-onset heart disease.
Severe hepatic lipase deficiency risk; Highly elevated triglycerides; Significantly increased HDL cholesterol.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs10468017 · LIPC Gene · Chr 15 · Cholesterol and Eye Health
rs1077834 · LIPC Gene · Chr 15 · Cholesterol and Liver Health
rs1077835 · LIPC Gene · Chr 15 · HDL Cholesterol Levels
Content updated August 2026.
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