What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Cholesterol and Triglycerides: 10/10 evidence, 10 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Mixed Lipid Profile with Higher HDL and Triglycerides
Elevated levels of protective HDL cholesterol occur alongside higher triglycerides and remnant cholesterol. This combination creates a mixed metabolic profile.
What this genotype means: Higher HDL cholesterol levels; Elevated triglycerides; Increased remnant cholesterol.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Typical Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels
Baseline or typical levels of HDL cholesterol and triglycerides are expected with this common genetic profile. It represents the standard baseline for lipid clearance.
What this genotype means: Typical HDL cholesterol levels; Typical triglyceride levels; Standard lipid clearance rates.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/C
Intermediate Lipid Profile with Moderate HDL and Triglycerides
Moderately increased levels of both HDL cholesterol and triglycerides characterize this intermediate metabolic state. It represents a balanced genetic influence.
What this genotype means: Moderately higher HDL cholesterol; Slightly elevated triglycerides; Slightly higher remnant cholesterol.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: LIPC encodes hepatic lipase, an enzyme synthesized by the liver that plays a dual role in lipoprotein metabolism [1]. It acts as a triglyceride hydrolase, breaking down fats, and serves as a ligand facilitating receptor-mediated lipoprotein uptake [2]. Hepatic lipase is crucial for converting intermediate-density lipoproteins to low-density lipoproteins and remodeling high-density lipoproteins [1]. Variations in this gene can significantly alter circulating levels of both high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides [2].
Variant Impact: An intron variant in the LIPC gene, rs261342 is strongly associated with circulating lipid levels [1]. It acts as a proxy for regulatory changes in the promoter region, influencing how much hepatic lipase is produced [2]. The minor G allele is linked to higher levels of HDL cholesterol, which is generally considered protective [1]. However, this same allele also increases triglycerides and remnant cholesterol, presenting a complex metabolic profile [2].
Key Insight: The G allele raises both protective HDL cholesterol and harmful triglycerides, creating a mixed lipid profile rather than a purely beneficial or harmful one.
Location: LIPC. Chromosome 15 · 15q21.3 · 58.4 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 16.4%; European 4.8%; African 36.7%; East Asian 35.5%; South Asian 12.3%; Americas 18.8%; Ashkenazi 5.9%; Finnish 5.9%; Middle Eastern 5.3%; Amish 1.4%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Global 40.5%; European 34.2%; African 47.8%; East Asian 48.2%; South Asian 45.6%; Americas 49.1%; Ashkenazi 36.8%; Finnish 36.9%; Middle Eastern 35.6%; Amish 20.9%.
Estimated GC genotype frequency.
Global 43.1%; European 60.9%; African 15.5%; East Asian 16.3%; South Asian 42.1%; Americas 32.1%; Ashkenazi 57.4%; Finnish 57.2%; Middle Eastern 59.1%; Amish 77.7%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Higher HDL.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Higher Triglycerides.
Remnant Cholesterol. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 34610981. Higher Remnants.
VLDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 41044249. Higher VLDL.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Typical HDL.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Typical.
Remnant Cholesterol. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 34610981. Typical.
VLDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 41044249. Typical.
Showing effects for G/C genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Slightly Higher HDL.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Slightly Higher.
Remnant Cholesterol. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 34610981. Slightly Higher.
VLDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 41044249. Slightly Higher.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Presence of the G/G genotype is associated with a distinct metabolic signature characterized by elevated high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol [1]. While higher HDL is traditionally viewed as cardiovascular-protective, this profile also exhibits significantly higher levels of triglycerides and remnant cholesterol [2]. Altered hepatic lipase activity slows down the clearance of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, leading to their accumulation in the blood [1]. Consequently, the overall cardiovascular impact is complex and may depend on other lifestyle factors [2]. Regular lipid panels can help monitor this unique balance of blood fats.
Higher HDL cholesterol levels; Elevated triglycerides; Increased remnant cholesterol.
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Two copies of the C allele represent the most common genetic profile and are associated with typical hepatic lipase activity [1]. Standard baseline levels of HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and remnant cholesterol are typically maintained [2]. Because there are no inherited elevations in these specific blood lipids from this variant, cardiovascular risk from this locus is considered neutral [1]. Standard dietary and exercise guidelines are highly effective for maintaining healthy lipid levels in this group [2]. Regular cardiovascular screenings remain the best way to track overall heart health.
Typical HDL cholesterol levels; Typical triglyceride levels; Standard lipid clearance rates.
Sample genotype: GC (Heterozygous)
Inheriting one G and one C allele results in intermediate hepatic lipase activity and a moderate shift in blood lipids [1]. This leads to slightly higher levels of protective HDL cholesterol alongside a mild increase in triglycerides and remnant cholesterol [2]. Because the effects of the G and C alleles are balanced, the lipid profile is neither purely favorable nor unfavorable [1]. This highlights the importance of evaluating the complete lipid panel rather than focusing on HDL or triglycerides alone [2]. Maintaining a balanced diet and active lifestyle supports optimal cardiovascular health.
Moderately higher HDL cholesterol; Slightly elevated triglycerides; Slightly higher remnant cholesterol.
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
A large electronic-health-record-based genome-wide study of serum lipids.
Content updated August 2026.
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