What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Macular Health and Lipids: 9/10 evidence, 15 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): T/T
Higher HDL and Lower Macular Risk
This genotype is linked to higher HDL cholesterol levels along with a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration.
What this genotype means: Higher HDL cholesterol levels; Lower risk of macular degeneration; Lower risk of metabolic syndrome.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Higher Macular and Cardiometabolic Risk
This genotype is associated with a higher risk of macular degeneration alongside higher LDL cholesterol and metabolic syndrome risk.
What this genotype means: Higher risk of macular degeneration; Higher LDL cholesterol levels; Increased risk of metabolic syndrome.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/C
Typical Lipid and Macular Profile
This genotype represents a balanced genetic influence, resulting in typical lipid levels and average macular health risks.
What this genotype means: Typical HDL and LDL cholesterol levels; Average risk of macular degeneration; Standard risk of metabolic syndrome.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The LIPC gene encodes hepatic lipase, an enzyme synthesized in the liver that plays a critical role in lipid metabolism [1]. This enzyme is responsible for hydrolyzing triglycerides and phospholipids within various lipoproteins, directly influencing the conversion of larger high-density lipoprotein particles into smaller ones [2]. Beyond its systemic role in blood lipid regulation, hepatic lipase is also active in ocular tissues, including the retina and retinal pigment epithelium [3]. Proper regulation of lipids within the eye is essential for maintaining macular health and preventing the accumulation of fatty deposits [3].
Variant Impact: Located in an intergenic region near the LIPC and ALDH1A2 genes, this variant acts as a genetic regulator of circulating lipid levels [4]. The T allele is associated with higher levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1 [1]. Conversely, the C allele is linked to higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and an increased risk of metabolic syndrome [5]. The T allele is also associated with a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration, making this one of the genetic regions where a higher HDL profile and better macular health travel together [3].
Key Insight: The T allele is favorable across the board at this variant. It raises HDL cholesterol, lowers LDL, and also lowers the risk of age-related macular degeneration, which runs opposite to the usual pattern for HDL-raising variants.
Location: LIPC. Chromosome 15 · 15q21.3 · 58.4 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 22.7%; European 14.2%; African 40.2%; East Asian 23.9%; South Asian 28.4%; Americas 16.1%; Ashkenazi 14.1%; Finnish 19.2%; Middle Eastern 16.7%; Amish 18.5%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Global 47.3%; European 47.0%; African 46.4%; East Asian 50.0%; South Asian 49.8%; Americas 48.0%; Ashkenazi 46.9%; Finnish 49.2%; Middle Eastern 48.3%; Amish 49.0%.
Estimated TC genotype frequency.
Global 30.0%; European 38.9%; African 13.4%; East Asian 26.1%; South Asian 21.8%; Americas 35.9%; Ashkenazi 38.9%; Finnish 31.6%; Middle Eastern 35.0%; Amish 32.4%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Organ Systems
Vision & Eye Health
Macular Degeneration. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 26691988. Decreased Risk.
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 24386095. Higher Levels.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 38448586. Lower Levels.
Metabolic Syndrome & Insulin Resistance
Metabolic Syndrome. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 21386085. Decreased Risk.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Macular Degeneration. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 26691988. Increased Risk.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 24386095. Lower Levels.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 38448586. Higher Levels.
Metabolic Syndrome. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 21386085. Increased Risk.
Showing effects for T/C genotype
Macular Degeneration. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 26691988. Typical Risk.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 24386095. Typical Levels.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 38448586. Typical Levels.
Metabolic Syndrome. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 21386085. Typical Risk.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Clinical studies indicate that carrying two copies of the T allele promotes higher circulating levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1 [1]. A robust HDL profile is generally favorable for cardiovascular health [2]. At this particular gene the T allele is also protective for the eyes, with large studies reporting roughly 13 percent lower odds of advanced age-related macular degeneration for each copy of T [3]. This runs opposite to the general pattern for HDL-raising variants, and the hepatic lipase region is one of the recognized exceptions [3]. On the positive side, this genotype is associated with lower LDL cholesterol and a reduced risk of metabolic syndrome [4]. Routine eye examinations and a heart-healthy lifestyle help preserve these advantages.
Higher HDL cholesterol levels; Lower risk of macular degeneration; Lower risk of metabolic syndrome.
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Genetic analysis associates this genotype with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration [1]. Each copy of the C allele carries roughly 15 percent higher odds of advanced disease in large case-control studies [1]. This ocular risk sits alongside a less favorable cardiovascular lipid profile [2]. Individuals with two copies of the C allele tend to have lower HDL cholesterol and higher circulating LDL cholesterol [3]. Furthermore, this genotype is linked to an increased susceptibility to metabolic syndrome [4]. Emphasizing a heart-healthy diet, routine lipid monitoring, and regular eye examinations is a sensible approach for this profile.
Higher risk of macular degeneration; Higher LDL cholesterol levels; Increased risk of metabolic syndrome.
Sample genotype: TC (Heterozygous)
An intermediate genetic influence is observed in individuals carrying one T and one C allele at this locus [1]. Circulating levels of HDL and LDL cholesterol generally fall within the average range for the population [2]. Similarly, the genetic risk for metabolic syndrome and age-related macular degeneration is not significantly elevated or reduced compared to the general baseline [3]. Because this heterozygous state balances the opposing effects of the T and C alleles, it does not strongly lean toward cardiovascular or ocular extremes [4]. Standard lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, will play a much larger role in shaping overall health outcomes than this specific genetic marker.
Typical HDL and LDL cholesterol levels; Average risk of macular degeneration; Standard risk of metabolic syndrome.
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
Genome-wide characterization of circulating metabolic biomarkers.
A bivariate genome-wide approach to metabolic syndrome: STAMPEED consortium.
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