What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
HDL Cholesterol Levels: 10/10 evidence, 27 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Lower HDL Cholesterol Levels
This genotype is associated with lower levels of HDL, the protective good cholesterol. It may also lead to slightly lower total and LDL cholesterol levels.
What this genotype means: Lower circulating HDL cholesterol; Slightly lower LDL and total cholesterol.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Higher HDL Cholesterol Levels
This genotype is associated with significantly higher levels of HDL, the protective good cholesterol. It may also lead to slightly higher total and LDL cholesterol as a minor side effect.
What this genotype means: Higher circulating HDL cholesterol; Slightly higher total and LDL cholesterol.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/C
Typical HDL Cholesterol Levels
This genotype is associated with average or typical levels of HDL cholesterol. It represents a balanced genetic influence on lipid metabolism.
What this genotype means: Typical HDL cholesterol levels; Typical LDL and total cholesterol levels.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The LOC105372112 region is located near the LIPG gene, which encodes endothelial lipase [1]. Endothelial lipase is a crucial enzyme in lipid metabolism that primarily breaks down high-density lipoprotein (HDL), often referred to as the good cholesterol [2]. By regulating the catabolism of HDL particles, this enzyme directly influences circulating HDL levels in the bloodstream [1]. Variations in this genomic region can alter the expression or activity of endothelial lipase, thereby modifying lipid profiles [2].
Variant Impact: The rs4939883 variant is an intronic genetic change located near the LIPG gene region [3]. This variant is strongly associated with variations in circulating HDL cholesterol levels across diverse populations [4]. The C allele of this variant is linked to higher levels of HDL cholesterol, whereas the T allele is associated with lower levels [3]. Additionally, this genetic marker shows minor pleiotropic associations with other lipid fractions, including LDL and total cholesterol [2].
Key Insight: This variant is one of the most strongly replicated genetic determinants of HDL cholesterol levels, acting near the gene for endothelial lipase.
Location: LIPG. Chromosome 18 · 18q21.1 · 49.6 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 7.8%; European 3.0%; African 21.1%; East Asian 3.7%; South Asian 1.9%; Americas 2.2%; Ashkenazi 1.1%; Finnish 2.7%; Middle Eastern 3.6%; Amish 2.0%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Global 33.6%; European 28.6%; African 49.7%; East Asian 31.2%; South Asian 23.7%; Americas 25.1%; Ashkenazi 19.0%; Finnish 27.4%; Middle Eastern 30.8%; Amish 24.1%.
Estimated TC genotype frequency.
Global 58.6%; European 68.5%; African 29.3%; East Asian 65.0%; South Asian 74.4%; Americas 72.8%; Ashkenazi 79.9%; Finnish 69.9%; Middle Eastern 65.5%; Amish 73.9%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 19060906. Lower Levels.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Slightly Lower.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 19060911. Slightly Lower.
Apolipoprotein A1. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 39789286. Lower Levels.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 19060906. Higher Levels.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Slightly Higher.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 19060911. Slightly Higher.
Apolipoprotein A1. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 39789286. Higher Levels.
Showing effects for T/C genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 19060906. Typical Levels.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Typical.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 19060911. Typical.
Apolipoprotein A1. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 39789286. Typical.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Carrying two copies of the T allele is associated with the lowest circulating levels of HDL cholesterol at this locus [1]. This reduction is linked to the activity of endothelial lipase, which more rapidly clears protective HDL particles from the bloodstream [2]. Individuals with this genotype typically have HDL levels that are lower than average, which is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease [3]. Interestingly, this genotype also correlates with slightly lower levels of LDL and total cholesterol, though this does not fully offset the impact of reduced HDL [4]. Managing other cardiovascular risk factors through lifestyle remains highly relevant for individuals with this profile [1]. This genetic tendency means that proactive cardiovascular care is especially beneficial [2]. Focusing on aerobic exercise and healthy fats can help support optimal HDL levels over time [3].
Lower circulating HDL cholesterol; Slightly lower LDL and total cholesterol.
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Carrying two copies of the C allele is linked to a notable increase in circulating HDL cholesterol levels [1]. This effect is driven by genetic variation near the LIPG gene, which influences how endothelial lipase metabolizes protective HDL particles [2]. While higher HDL is generally considered favorable for cardiovascular health, this genotype is also associated with small increases in LDL and total cholesterol [4]. Overall, the substantial boost in HDL remains the dominant characteristic of this genetic profile [1]. This means that the body is naturally efficient at maintaining higher levels of the protective good cholesterol [2]. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise can further support these favorable lipid patterns [3].
Higher circulating HDL cholesterol; Slightly higher total and LDL cholesterol.
Sample genotype: TC (Heterozygous)
Carrying one copy of the C allele and one copy of the T allele results in intermediate lipid levels [1]. This heterozygous profile typically maintains average circulating HDL cholesterol concentrations [2]. The presence of a single C allele provides a moderate boost to HDL compared to the T/T genotype, but does not reach the levels seen in C/C homozygotes [3]. Similarly, any associated increases in LDL or total cholesterol are highly typical and balanced [4]. This genetic profile is very common in the general population and represents a baseline cardiovascular lipid influence [1]. It represents a balanced genetic middle ground with no extreme lipid elevations or deficiencies [2]. Standard cardiovascular wellness guidelines are highly effective for individuals with this typical profile [3].
Typical HDL cholesterol levels; Typical LDL and total cholesterol levels.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs2156552 · LIPG Gene · Chr 18 · HDL Cholesterol Levels
rs7241918 · LIPG Gene · Chr 18 · HDL Cholesterol Levels
rs77960347 · LIPG Gene · Chr 18 · HDL Cholesterol Levels
A large electronic-health-record-based genome-wide study of serum lipids.
Loci influencing lipid levels and coronary heart disease risk in 16 European population cohorts.
The power of genetic diversity in genome-wide association studies of lipids.
Common variants at 30 loci contribute to polygenic dyslipidemia.
Content updated August 2026.
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