What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Blood Lipid Levels: 10/10 evidence, 25 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Typical Triglyceride and Cholesterol Levels
This genotype is associated with typical baseline levels of triglycerides and cholesterol. It represents the most common genetic profile globally.
What this genotype means: Typical baseline triglyceride levels; Typical baseline LDL cholesterol levels.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/T
Lower Triglycerides and LDL Cholesterol
Carrying one copy of the protective T allele is linked to lower triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. This profile supports a healthier cardiovascular lipid balance.
What this genotype means: Reduced circulating triglycerides; Lower LDL cholesterol levels.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Lowest Triglycerides and LDL Cholesterol
Carrying two copies of the protective T allele is associated with the lowest levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. This genotype offers the strongest genetic protection against high blood lipids.
What this genotype means: Optimized triglyceride clearance; Significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The ANGPTL8 gene encodes angiopoietin-like protein 8, a hormone primarily secreted by the liver and adipose tissues that regulates lipid metabolism [1]. It acts as a key inhibitor of lipoprotein lipase, the primary enzyme responsible for clearing triglycerides from the bloodstream [2]. During feeding, ANGPTL8 expression increases to direct dietary fats toward storage in fat cells rather than circulating in the blood [1]. By forming complexes with other angiopoietin-like proteins, it fine-tunes systemic energy balance and lipid distribution [2].
Variant Impact: The rs2278426 variant is a missense mutation in the ANGPTL8 gene that alters the amino acid arginine to tryptophan at position 59 [1]. This structural change impairs the protein's ability to form stable complexes with its metabolic partners [2]. Consequently, the modified protein is less effective at inhibiting lipoprotein lipase, leading to more rapid clearance of fats from the blood [2]. Individuals carrying the variant T allele typically exhibit significantly lower levels of circulating triglycerides and LDL cholesterol [1].
Key Insight: The T allele of this variant acts as a natural lipid-lowering mechanism, mimicking the therapeutic effects of modern cardiovascular drugs designed to inhibit angiopoietin-like proteins.
Location: ANGPTL8. Chromosome 19 · 19p13.2 · 11.2 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 80.3%; European 91.5%; African 67.7%; East Asian 56.0%; South Asian 71.4%; Americas 66.5%; Ashkenazi 96.6%; Finnish 87.5%; Middle Eastern 93.3%; Amish 84.6%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Global 18.0%; European 8.3%; African 29.1%; East Asian 37.7%; South Asian 26.2%; Americas 30.1%; Ashkenazi 3.4%; Finnish 12.1%; Middle Eastern 6.6%; Amish 14.7%.
Estimated CT genotype frequency.
Global 1.6%; European 0.2%; African 3.1%; East Asian 6.3%; South Asian 2.4%; Americas 3.4%; Ashkenazi < 0.1%; Finnish 0.4%; Middle Eastern 0.1%; Amish 0.6%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29403010. Typical Levels.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29403010. Typical Levels.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 23505323. Typical Levels.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29403010. Typical Levels.
Showing effects for C/T genotype
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29403010. Lower Levels.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29403010. Lower Levels.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 23505323. Slightly Lower.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29403010. Lower Levels.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29403010. Lowest Levels.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29403010. Lowest Levels.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 23505323. Lower Levels.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29403010. Lowest Levels.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Production of the standard, fully functional ANGPTL8 protein occurs in individuals with this genotype [1]. This standard protein effectively regulates lipoprotein lipase, maintaining typical rates of fat clearance from the bloodstream [2]. Consequently, blood tests generally show baseline levels of triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol [3]. While this typical profile is not inherently harmful, it lacks the genetic lipid-lowering advantage observed in carriers of the T allele [4]. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical activity remains the standard approach for supporting cardiovascular health with this genetic baseline [1].
Typical baseline triglyceride levels; Typical baseline LDL cholesterol levels.
Sample genotype: CT (Heterozygous)
Introduction of a modified ANGPTL8 protein occurs with one copy of the T allele, making the protein less effective at blocking lipoprotein lipase [1]. This allows the enzyme to clear triglycerides from the blood more rapidly, resulting in lower circulating fat levels [1]. Large-scale genetic studies show that carriers of this variant experience a significant reduction in both triglycerides and LDL cholesterol [2]. Although HDL cholesterol is also slightly lower, the overall lipid profile remains highly favorable for cardiovascular health [3]. This genetic trait provides a natural buffer against elevated blood lipids, though lifestyle choices still play a major role in long-term wellness [1].
Reduced circulating triglycerides; Lower LDL cholesterol levels.
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Exclusive production of the modified version of the ANGPTL8 protein occurs in individuals with two copies of the T allele [1]. This leads to minimal inhibition of lipoprotein lipase, allowing for highly efficient clearance of triglycerides from the bloodstream [1]. Consequently, this genotype is associated with the most pronounced reductions in triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol [2]. This lipid-lowering effect is highly protective against the development of arterial plaques and cardiovascular disease [3]. While HDL cholesterol levels may also be lower, the overall metabolic profile is exceptionally favorable for heart health [1].
Optimized triglyceride clearance; Significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs10096633 · LPL Gene · Chr 8 · Triglycerides and Heart Health
rs10790162 · BUD13 Gene · Chr 11 · Triglyceride Levels
rs11591147 · PCSK9 Gene · Chr 1 · Heart Disease Risk
Atypical angiopoietin-like protein that regulates ANGPTL3.
Genetics of 35 blood and urine biomarkers in the UK Biobank.
Content updated August 2026.
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