What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Macular Degeneration Risk: 7/10 evidence, 47 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Typical Macular Degeneration Risk and Baseline HDL
Standard hepatic lipase activity maintains typical levels of HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. This genotype is associated with a baseline risk of age-related macular degeneration.
What this genotype means: Typical HDL cholesterol levels; Standard risk of age-related macular degeneration; Typical triglyceride levels.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Lowest Macular Degeneration Risk and Highest HDL
Significantly reduced hepatic lipase activity results in the highest levels of HDL cholesterol. This genotype is associated with the lowest risk of age-related macular degeneration.
What this genotype means: Highest HDL cholesterol levels; Lowest risk of age-related macular degeneration; Lowest triglyceride levels.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/A
Lower Macular Degeneration Risk and Higher HDL
Slightly reduced hepatic lipase activity leads to moderately higher HDL cholesterol levels. This genotype is associated with a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration.
What this genotype means: Moderately higher HDL cholesterol; Lower risk of age-related macular degeneration; Slightly lower triglycerides.
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 breaking down triglycerides and phospholipids in various circulating lipoproteins, including high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) [1]. By remodeling these lipid particles, hepatic lipase helps regulate the size, density, and distribution of cholesterol in the bloodstream [2]. It also acts as a bridging factor that facilitates the liver's uptake of cholesterol remnants for clearance [2]. Consequently, variations in this gene can significantly influence blood lipid profiles and cardiovascular health [1].
Variant Impact: The rs2070895 variant is located in the promoter region of the LIPC gene, where it directly influences how much hepatic lipase enzyme the liver produces [1]. The A allele reduces the expression of hepatic lipase, leading to lower enzyme activity in the body [1]. Because hepatic lipase normally breaks down HDL particles, this reduction in activity allows HDL cholesterol levels to rise [1]. Conversely, the G allele is associated with typical enzyme activity and standard lipid clearance [2]. This single nucleotide change is one of the most widely studied genetic regulators of circulating HDL cholesterol [1].
Key Insight: While high HDL is usually considered a sign of heart health, this specific genetic variant raises HDL while simultaneously lowering the risk of age-related macular degeneration, showing how lipid genetics can affect both the eyes and the bloodstream.
Location: LIPC. Chromosome 15 · 15q21.3 · 58.4 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 46.2%; European 60.9%; African 24.1%; East Asian 33.9%; South Asian 52.3%; Americas 32.6%; Ashkenazi 64.7%; Finnish 52.3%; Middle Eastern 60.7%; Amish 77.3%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Global 41.0%; European 34.3%; African 50.0%; East Asian 48.6%; South Asian 40.0%; Americas 49.0%; Ashkenazi 31.5%; Finnish 40.1%; Middle Eastern 34.4%; Amish 21.2%.
Estimated GA genotype frequency.
Global 12.7%; European 4.8%; African 25.9%; East Asian 17.4%; South Asian 7.7%; Americas 18.4%; Ashkenazi 3.8%; Finnish 7.7%; Middle Eastern 4.9%; Amish 1.5%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Organ Systems
Vision & Eye Health
Macular Degeneration. Evidence: 7/10. Source: PMID 26691988. Typical Risk.
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29403010. Typical Levels.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 32154731. Typical Levels.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 28334899. Typical Levels.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Macular Degeneration. Evidence: 7/10. Source: PMID 26691988. Lowest Risk.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29403010. Highest Levels.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 32154731. Lowest Levels.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 28334899. Higher Levels.
Showing effects for G/A genotype
Macular Degeneration. Evidence: 7/10. Source: PMID 26691988. Lower Risk.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29403010. Higher Levels.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 32154731. Lower Levels.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 28334899. Slightly Higher.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Standard hepatic lipase activity is maintained by this common genotype, resulting in typical lipid processing [1]. Circulating levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides generally remain within the normal population average [1]. Because hepatic lipase is fully active, HDL particles are broken down at a typical rate [1]. This baseline lipid environment is associated with a standard risk of developing age-related macular degeneration as you age [2]. While it does not offer the protective eye benefits seen with the A allele, it represents the most common genetic profile globally [1]. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise remains key to supporting optimal cardiovascular and eye health [1]. Standard lifestyle factors like diet and exercise will have a typical, predictable impact on your lipid levels [1]. This genotype serves as the baseline reference for most clinical lipid studies [1].
Typical HDL cholesterol levels; Standard risk of age-related macular degeneration; Typical triglyceride levels.
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Two copies of the A allele significantly dampen hepatic lipase activity in the liver [1]. This reduction slows the breakdown of large HDL particles, leading to the highest average circulating HDL cholesterol levels among the genotypes [1]. Triglyceride levels are also typically at their lowest with this profile [2]. In the retina, this genetic change is strongly linked to a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration [3]. By altering how lipids are transported and cleared, it helps protect the macula from the harmful drusen deposits that characterize early eye disease [3]. This genotype provides robust genetic protection for both eye health and specific lipid parameters [1]. Engaging in vigorous physical activity has been shown to maximize this genotype's positive impact on HDL levels [1]. It is less common in most populations but offers the most pronounced protective effects against macular degeneration [3].
Highest HDL cholesterol levels; Lowest risk of age-related macular degeneration; Lowest triglyceride levels.
Sample genotype: GA (Heterozygous)
A single copy of the A allele moderately reduces the liver's production of hepatic lipase [1]. With less enzyme available to break down lipid particles, circulating HDL cholesterol levels tend to rise [1]. This increase in HDL is accompanied by a modest reduction in blood triglycerides [2]. In the eyes, this altered lipid environment is associated with a lower risk of developing age-related macular degeneration [3]. The reduction in enzyme activity helps prevent the accumulation of certain lipid deposits under the retina [3]. This profile offers a natural genetic nudge toward favorable lipid markers and eye protection [1]. Regular physical activity can further enhance these genetically driven HDL-raising effects [1]. It represents a balanced middle ground between the common baseline and the highly protective double-allele genotype [1].
Moderately higher HDL cholesterol; Lower risk of age-related macular degeneration; Slightly lower triglycerides.
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
Polygenic Hyperlipidemias and Coronary Artery Disease Risk.
Content updated August 2026.
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