What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Cholesterol Levels: 8/10 evidence, 18 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Higher Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels
Two copies of the G allele are linked to elevated LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. However, this genotype is also associated with rapid metabolism of caffeine and certain toxins.
What this genotype means: Elevated LDL cholesterol; Elevated triglycerides; Faster caffeine clearance.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Lower Cholesterol Levels but Slower Toxin Clearance
Two copies of the C allele are associated with lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. However, this slow-acetylator profile can increase sensitivity to certain toxins and caffeine.
What this genotype means: Lower LDL cholesterol; Lower triglycerides; Slower caffeine clearance.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/C
Typical Cholesterol Levels and Intermediate Metabolism
Carrying one G and one C allele results in typical cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It also confers an intermediate rate of caffeine and toxin clearance.
What this genotype means: Typical LDL cholesterol; Typical triglycerides; Moderate caffeine clearance.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: Arylamine N-acetyltransferase 2, encoded by the NAT2 gene, is a crucial liver enzyme responsible for the detoxification of various foreign chemicals, drugs, and environmental toxins. It plays a central role in the acetylation pathway, which metabolizes caffeine, hydrazines, and aromatic amines found in tobacco smoke and grilled foods. Genetic variations in this gene divide the population into rapid, intermediate, and slow acetylators, directly influencing how quickly the body clears these substances. Beyond drug and toxin clearance, recent large-scale genetic studies have linked NAT2 function to systemic lipid metabolism and cholesterol regulation.
Variant Impact: Located in the intergenic region near the NAT2 gene, rs1495743 is a common genetic variant that acts as a powerful marker for NAT2 expression and activity. This single nucleotide change alters the regulatory landscape of the region, influencing how much of the N-acetyltransferase 2 enzyme is produced. The G allele is strongly associated with rapid acetylation and altered lipid profiles, leading to higher circulating levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Conversely, the C allele correlates with slower enzyme activity, which reduces lipid levels but can slow down the clearance of certain environmental carcinogens.
Key Insight: This variant reveals an unexpected genetic link between how your liver detoxifies environmental chemicals and your baseline blood cholesterol levels.
Location: NAT2. Chromosome 8 · 8p22 · 18.4 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 9.2%; European 5.1%; African 14.4%; East Asian 29.0%; South Asian 5.1%; Americas 11.4%; Ashkenazi 2.8%; Finnish 6.4%; Middle Eastern 4.3%; Amish 8.0%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Global 39.9%; European 35.0%; African 47.1%; East Asian 49.7%; South Asian 35.1%; Americas 44.7%; Ashkenazi 28.0%; Finnish 37.9%; Middle Eastern 32.9%; Amish 40.6%.
Estimated GC genotype frequency.
Global 50.9%; European 59.9%; African 38.5%; East Asian 21.3%; South Asian 59.8%; Americas 43.9%; Ashkenazi 69.2%; Finnish 55.7%; Middle Eastern 62.8%; Amish 51.4%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Increased.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29403010. Increased.
Blood Cell & Iron Traits
Iron Binding Capacity. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 33536631. Decreased.
Cancer & Oncology
Urologic Cancers
Bladder Cancer. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 39024449. Decreased.
Nutrition & Metabolism
Caffeine & Stimulant Metabolism
Caffeine Metabolism. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 37253714. Rapid.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Decreased.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29403010. Decreased.
Iron Binding Capacity. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 33536631. Increased.
Bladder Cancer. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 39024449. Increased.
Caffeine Metabolism. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 37253714. Slow.
Showing effects for G/C genotype
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Typical.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29403010. Typical.
Iron Binding Capacity. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 33536631. Typical.
Bladder Cancer. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 39024449. Typical.
Caffeine Metabolism. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 37253714. Intermediate.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Having two copies of the G allele significantly influences lipid metabolism, leading to higher levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. This lipid-elevating effect is thought to stem from the variant's impact on NAT2 expression, which plays an unexpected role in systemic fat processing. While this increases the risk of metabolic issues, the rapid acetylator status associated with this genotype offers a protective shield against certain environmental toxins. Specifically, rapid acetylation helps the liver quickly detoxify aromatic amines, resulting in a lower risk of bladder cancer. Additionally, caffeine and its metabolites are processed much faster, reducing the time stimulants linger in the system. Balancing cardiovascular health through diet and exercise is particularly beneficial for those with this genetic profile.
Elevated LDL cholesterol; Elevated triglycerides; Faster caffeine clearance; Lower bladder cancer risk.
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Possessing two copies of the C allele is highly favorable for cardiovascular markers, as it is linked to lower levels of LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. This natural lipid-lowering effect helps maintain healthy blood vessels and reduces the genetic risk for metabolic diseases. However, this genotype also correlates with the slow acetylator phenotype, meaning the liver processes certain compounds more slowly. Slower clearance of aromatic amines, such as those found in tobacco smoke, is associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. Caffeine also remains in the bloodstream longer, which may increase sensitivity to its stimulating effects. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle while avoiding smoking is key to maximizing the cardiovascular benefits of this profile.
Lower LDL cholesterol; Lower triglycerides; Slower caffeine clearance; Increased bladder cancer risk.
Sample genotype: GC (Heterozygous)
An intermediate genetic profile means having one copy of each allele, balancing the lipid-elevating effects of the G allele with the lipid-lowering effects of the C allele. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels typically fall within the average range for the population. In terms of metabolic speed, this genotype results in intermediate acetylation activity. Caffeine, medications, and environmental toxins are cleared at a moderate, typical pace. The risk for bladder cancer associated with slow detoxification is not significantly elevated compared to the general population. Overall, this profile represents a balanced baseline with no extreme genetic predispositions in lipid levels or chemical clearance.
Typical LDL cholesterol; Typical triglycerides; Moderate caffeine clearance; Average bladder cancer risk.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs1495741 · NAT2 Gene · Chr 8 · Drug and Toxin Metabolism
rs1041983 · NAT2 Gene · Chr 8 · Drug Metabolism Speed
rs4921913 · NAT2 Gene · Chr 8 · Blood Lipid Levels
Content updated August 2026.
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