What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Cholesterol and Lipid Levels: 10/10 evidence, 32 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 Lipid Levels and Standard Cardiovascular Risk
This genotype is associated with typical levels of HDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. It represents the baseline genetic profile for hepatic lipase activity.
What this genotype means: Typical hepatic lipase activity; Standard baseline lipid profile; Favorable response to fluvastatin.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/T
Higher HDL with Moderately Elevated Triglycerides
This genotype leads to moderately higher HDL cholesterol levels alongside a slight increase in triglycerides and total cholesterol. It represents a balanced genetic trade-off in lipid processing.
What this genotype means: Moderately reduced hepatic lipase activity; Elevated HDL and triglycerides; Broad response to different statins.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Significantly Higher HDL and Elevated Triglycerides
This genotype is associated with significantly higher HDL cholesterol but also elevated triglycerides and total cholesterol. This combination can lead to a less efficient lipid clearance profile.
What this genotype means: Significantly reduced hepatic lipase activity; Elevated HDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol; Enhanced HDL response to pravastatin.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The LIPC gene encodes hepatic lipase, an enzyme primarily synthesized in the liver that plays a critical role in lipid metabolism [1]. Hepatic lipase is responsible for hydrolyzing triglycerides and phospholipids in circulating lipoproteins, particularly intermediate-density lipoproteins and high-density lipoproteins [1]. Through these actions, it helps convert larger, lipid-rich particles into smaller, denser ones, facilitating their clearance from the bloodstream [1]. It also acts as a bridging factor that promotes the hepatic uptake of remnant lipoproteins [1]. Consequently, variations in LIPC expression or activity directly influence circulating levels of HDL, LDL, and triglycerides [1].
Variant Impact: The rs1800588 variant, also known as -514C/T, is located in the promoter region of the LIPC gene and directly modulates its expression. The T allele is associated with significantly reduced hepatic lipase activity [2]. Because hepatic lipase normally breaks down HDL particles, this reduction in enzyme activity leads to higher circulating levels of HDL cholesterol [2]. However, it also impairs the normal processing and clearance of other lipids, resulting in elevated triglycerides and total cholesterol [1]. This variant demonstrates that genetically elevated HDL cholesterol does not always translate to a healthier cardiovascular profile [1].
Key Insight: Higher HDL (good) cholesterol levels caused by this variant do not necessarily protect against heart disease because they are accompanied by slower lipid clearance and higher triglycerides.
Location: LIPC. Chromosome 15 · 15q21.3 · 58.4 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 46.9%; European 61.6%; African 24.4%; East Asian 36.1%; South Asian 54.0%; Americas 33.1%; Ashkenazi 65.3%; Finnish 53.5%; Middle Eastern 61.2%; Amish 77.3%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Global 40.7%; European 33.8%; African 50.0%; East Asian 48.0%; South Asian 38.9%; Americas 48.9%; Ashkenazi 31.1%; Finnish 39.3%; Middle Eastern 34.1%; Amish 21.2%.
Estimated CT genotype frequency.
Global 12.4%; European 4.6%; African 25.6%; East Asian 15.9%; South Asian 7.0%; Americas 18.1%; Ashkenazi 3.7%; Finnish 7.2%; Middle Eastern 4.7%; Amish 1.5%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 18193044. Typical Levels.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 18193044. Typical Levels.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 26582766. Typical Levels.
Pharmacogenomics
Lipid-Lowering Drug Response
Statin Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 16115483. Better Fluvastatin.
Showing effects for C/T genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 18193044. Moderately Higher.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 18193044. Moderately Higher.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 26582766. Moderately Higher.
Statin Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 16115483. Broad Response.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 18193044. Significantly Higher.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 18193044. Significantly Higher.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 26582766. Significantly Higher.
Statin Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 16115483. Better Pravastatin.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Carriers of the C/C genotype exhibit typical hepatic lipase activity, allowing for the normal breakdown and clearance of circulating lipids [1]. This results in standard baseline levels of HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides [1]. While HDL levels are not genetically elevated, the efficient processing of other lipid fractions helps maintain a typical cardiovascular risk profile [2]. Clinical studies suggest that individuals with this genotype show a favorable response to certain statins like fluvastatin [3]. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise remains the primary way to support optimal cardiovascular health.
Typical hepatic lipase activity; Standard baseline lipid profile; Favorable response to fluvastatin.
Sample genotype: CT (Heterozygous)
Carriers of the C/T genotype have one copy of the T allele, which moderately reduces hepatic lipase activity [1]. This reduction leads to higher circulating levels of HDL cholesterol, which is traditionally considered protective [2]. However, the slower breakdown of lipids also results in a moderate increase in triglycerides and total cholesterol [2]. This mixed lipid profile highlights that genetically elevated HDL does not always guarantee lower cardiovascular risk [3]. Individuals with this genotype may respond well to a variety of lipid-lowering therapies, including fluvastatin and pravastatin [4]. Emphasizing a diet low in saturated fats can help manage triglyceride levels effectively.
Moderately reduced hepatic lipase activity; Elevated HDL and triglycerides; Broad response to different statins.
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Carriers of the T/T genotype experience a pronounced reduction in hepatic lipase activity [1]. While this leads to significantly higher levels of circulating HDL cholesterol, these HDL particles are often larger and less efficient at clearing cholesterol from tissues [2]. Consequently, this genotype is also linked to elevated levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol [2]. This atypical lipid profile can increase overall cardiovascular risk despite the high HDL numbers [3]. Studies also indicate that individuals with this genotype may show an enhanced HDL-raising response specifically to pravastatin therapy [1]. Focusing on cardiovascular health through regular aerobic exercise and a heart-healthy diet is highly recommended.
Significantly reduced hepatic lipase activity; Elevated HDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol; Enhanced HDL response to pravastatin.
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
An association study of 43 SNPs in 16 candidate genes with atorvastatin response.
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