What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Lipid and Inflammation Profile: 10/10 evidence, 36 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Higher HDL with Elevated Triglycerides and Inflammation
This genotype is associated with a distinct lipid profile characterized by higher HDL cholesterol but also elevated triglycerides and total cholesterol. It is also linked to slightly higher levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of systemic inflammation.
What this genotype means: Higher HDL cholesterol; Elevated triglycerides; Higher C-reactive protein (inflammation).
Sample genotype (not yours): A/G
Typical Lipid and Inflammation Profile
This genotype is associated with average or intermediate levels of HDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and inflammatory markers. It represents the most common balanced genetic baseline.
What this genotype means: Typical HDL cholesterol; Typical triglyceride levels; Typical inflammatory markers.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Lower Triglycerides and Reduced Inflammation Risk
This genotype is linked to lower levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and C-reactive protein. While HDL cholesterol may be slightly lower, the overall profile is highly favorable for cardiovascular health.
What this genotype means: Lower triglycerides; Lower total cholesterol; Reduced systemic inflammation.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: ALDH1A2 encodes an enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of retinoic acid from retinaldehyde [1]. Retinoic acid is a vital signaling molecule that regulates gene expression during embryonic development and adult tissue maintenance [1]. Although primarily known for its role in development, ALDH1A2 has also been implicated in metabolic processes and lipid regulation [2]. Genetic variations in this region are frequently associated with circulating lipid levels and cardiovascular biomarkers [2].
Variant Impact: The rs1532085 variant is an intergenic nucleotide change located on chromosome 15 [3]. It is situated near the LIPC gene, which encodes hepatic lipase, a key enzyme in lipoprotein metabolism [4]. This variant acts as an expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL), meaning it influences how these nearby genes are expressed in human tissues [4]. Through this regulatory effect, it significantly alters the balance of circulating cholesterol and triglycerides [5].
Key Insight: This genetic variant presents a unique metabolic trade-off, simultaneously raising both protective HDL cholesterol and risk-associated triglycerides.
Location: LIPC. Chromosome 15 · 15q21.3 · 58.4 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 18.9%; European 14.1%; African 27.0%; East Asian 23.5%; South Asian 28.4%; Americas 15.2%; Ashkenazi 13.3%; Finnish 19.3%; Middle Eastern 16.4%; Amish 15.2%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Global 48.1%; European 46.9%; African 49.9%; East Asian 50.0%; South Asian 49.8%; Americas 47.6%; Ashkenazi 46.4%; Finnish 49.3%; Middle Eastern 48.2%; Amish 47.6%.
Estimated AG genotype frequency.
Global 33.0%; European 39.1%; African 23.1%; East Asian 26.5%; South Asian 21.8%; Americas 37.2%; Ashkenazi 40.3%; Finnish 31.5%; Middle Eastern 35.4%; Amish 37.1%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 20686565. Elevated.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10.
Immunity & Inflammation
Inflammatory & Circulating Protein Markers
C-Reactive Protein. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 35459240. Elevated.
Showing effects for A/G genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 19060911. Slightly Higher.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 20686565. Slightly Elevated.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 19060911. Slightly Higher.
C-Reactive Protein. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 35459240. Slightly Elevated.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 19060911. Typical.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 20686565. Typical.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 19060911. Typical.
C-Reactive Protein. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 35459240. Typical.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Carrying two copies of the A allele leads to a complex metabolic profile. Research shows a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often referred to as the good cholesterol [1]. However, this benefit is accompanied by elevated levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol [2]. Additionally, studies have linked this genotype to higher circulating levels of C-reactive protein, which is a key marker of inflammation in the body [3]. This combination of high HDL and high triglycerides represents a metabolic trade-off that can influence overall cardiovascular risk [4]. Some studies also suggest a potential association with late-onset Alzheimer's disease risk, possibly mediated by these altered lipid pathways [5].
Higher HDL cholesterol; Elevated triglycerides; Higher C-reactive protein (inflammation).
Sample genotype: AG (Heterozygous)
Carrying one copy of each allele typically results in intermediate lipid and inflammatory marker levels. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels are generally in the typical range, showing only a very slight increase compared to the G/G genotype [1]. Similarly, triglycerides and total cholesterol levels tend to be average, avoiding the more pronounced elevations seen in the A/A genotype [2]. C-reactive protein levels, which reflect systemic inflammation, also remain within the typical baseline range [3]. This balanced profile means that cardiovascular and metabolic risks associated with this specific locus are close to the population average [4]. It provides a stable genetic baseline without strong positive or negative deviations [5].
Typical HDL cholesterol; Typical triglyceride levels; Typical inflammatory markers.
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Carrying two copies of the G allele is associated with a highly favorable lipid and inflammatory profile. Individuals with this genotype tend to have significantly lower levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol [1]. They also exhibit lower circulating levels of C-reactive protein, indicating a reduced baseline of systemic inflammation [2]. Although high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels may be slightly lower, modern cardiovascular research suggests that lowering triglycerides and inflammation is highly protective [3]. This genotype is also associated with lower levels of lipoprotein(a), further reducing cardiovascular risk factors [4]. Overall, this genetic profile supports healthy lipid clearance and lower metabolic risk [5].
Lower triglycerides; Lower total cholesterol; Reduced systemic inflammation.
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
Genetics and beyond--the transcriptome of human monocytes and disease susceptibility.
Biological, clinical and population relevance of 95 loci for blood lipids.
Discovery and refinement of loci associated with lipid levels.
Loci influencing lipid levels and coronary heart disease risk in 16 European population cohorts.
Genetic analysis of over half a million people characterises C-reactive protein loci.
Content updated August 2026.
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