What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Blood Lipid Levels: 10/10 evidence, 13 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Higher Triglycerides and Lower HDL Cholesterol
Blood lipid profiles tend to be less favorable with this genetic combination. It is associated with higher levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, alongside lower levels of protective HDL cholesterol.
What this genotype means: Elevated triglycerides; Lower protective HDL cholesterol; Increased metabolic syndrome risk.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Favorable Lipid Profile with Higher HDL Cholesterol
A highly favorable blood lipid profile is associated with this genetic combination. It is linked to higher levels of protective HDL cholesterol and lower levels of triglycerides.
What this genotype means: Elevated protective HDL cholesterol; Lower baseline triglycerides; Reduced metabolic syndrome risk.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/A
Typical Blood Lipid Profile
A combination of genetic influences on blood lipids is typical for this profile. It is linked to intermediate levels of both triglycerides and protective HDL cholesterol.
What this genotype means: Typical triglyceride levels; Typical HDL cholesterol levels.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: Apolipoprotein B (APOB) is the primary protein component of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles [1]. It plays an essential role in lipid metabolism by acting as a ligand for LDL receptors, facilitating the clearance of cholesterol from the bloodstream [1]. Genetic variations in the APOB gene can alter the structure or production of this protein, directly impacting circulating lipid levels [2]. Elevated levels of APOB-containing particles are strongly associated with plaque buildup in arteries and cardiovascular disease [1].
Variant Impact: Located within an intron of the APOB gene, this single nucleotide polymorphism influences the expression and regulation of apolipoprotein B. Large-scale genomic studies have linked this specific variant to significant variations in circulating blood lipids, including triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol [2]. The genetic change alters how the body packages and transports fats through the bloodstream [1]. These metabolic shifts can downstream affect an individual's overall cardiovascular health and susceptibility to metabolic conditions [3].
Key Insight: This variant acts like a metabolic dial, simultaneously shifting protective HDL up and harmful triglycerides down depending on which copies you carry.
Location: APOB. Chromosome 2 · 2p24.1 · 21.0 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 57.4%; European 61.4%; African 61.1%; East Asian 7.4%; South Asian 22.4%; Americas 58.4%; Ashkenazi 65.8%; Finnish 54.3%; Middle Eastern 48.1%; Amish 59.9%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Global 35.2%; European 33.9%; African 34.2%; East Asian 39.6%; South Asian 49.9%; Americas 36.0%; Ashkenazi 30.6%; Finnish 38.7%; Middle Eastern 42.5%; Amish 35.0%.
Estimated GA genotype frequency.
Global 7.4%; European 4.7%; African 4.8%; East Asian 53.0%; South Asian 27.8%; Americas 5.6%; Ashkenazi 3.6%; Finnish 6.9%; Middle Eastern 9.4%; Amish 5.1%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Lower HDL.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Higher Triglycerides.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Higher LDL.
Metabolic Syndrome & Insulin Resistance
Metabolic Syndrome. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 31589552. Increased Risk.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Higher HDL.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Lower Triglycerides.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Lower LDL.
Metabolic Syndrome. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 31589552. Lower Risk.
Showing effects for G/A genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Typical HDL.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Typical Triglycerides.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Typical LDL.
Metabolic Syndrome. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 31589552. Typical Risk.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Circulating lipid levels are heavily influenced by this genetic profile, which is associated with higher baseline triglycerides [1]. Research indicates that this genotype also correlates with elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as bad cholesterol [2]. Concurrently, levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which helps clear other forms of cholesterol from the blood, tend to be lower [1]. These combined lipid changes contribute to an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome [3]. Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle with regular cardiovascular exercise and a balanced diet is particularly beneficial for managing these genetic tendencies.
Elevated triglycerides; Lower protective HDL cholesterol; Increased metabolic syndrome risk.
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
A highly favorable cardiovascular lipid profile is characteristic of this genetic signature. Studies show that this genotype is strongly associated with elevated levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which actively protects blood vessels [1]. Additionally, individuals with this profile tend to have lower circulating triglycerides [2]. These beneficial lipid patterns are also associated with a reduced risk of developing metabolic syndrome [3]. This genetic advantage supports overall metabolic health and cardiovascular resilience.
Elevated protective HDL cholesterol; Lower baseline triglycerides; Reduced metabolic syndrome risk.
Sample genotype: GA (Heterozygous)
An intermediate metabolic profile is typical for individuals carrying one copy of each allele at this locus. The presence of the G allele is associated with a slight upward pressure on triglycerides and LDL cholesterol [1]. However, this is counterbalanced by the A allele, which is linked to higher levels of protective HDL cholesterol [2]. Because these opposing genetic signals are both present, overall lipid levels often fall within a typical or balanced range. This genetic trade-off highlights how different alleles can influence lipid transport pathways in distinct ways [3]. Regular lipid panels can help track how these genetic factors interact with diet and lifestyle over time.
Typical triglyceride levels; Typical HDL cholesterol levels.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs1042034 · APOB Gene · Chr 2 · Cholesterol and Lipids
rs1367117 · APOB Gene · Chr 2 · Cholesterol Levels
rs4665710 · APOB Gene · Chr 2 · Blood Lipid Levels
Genetics of 35 blood and urine biomarkers in the UK Biobank.
A large electronic-health-record-based genome-wide study of serum lipids.
Genome-Wide Association Study of the Metabolic Syndrome in UK Biobank.
Genetic analyses of diverse populations improves discovery for complex traits.
Content updated August 2026.
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