What is PNPLA3 – rs738409 and Why Does the Cardio Zoomer Test for It?

Liver lipid–remodeling variant

PNPLA3 – rs738409 is a common genetic variant that alters a liver enzyme involved in lipid remodeling. It helps explain individual differences in how the liver stores and processes triglycerides, so testing it can add genetic context to metabolic and lipid findings on the Cardio Zoomer.

View Cardio Zoomer

PNPLA3 – rs738409

Quality and Security

High-quality testing run in a CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited lab in Santa Clara, California.

fortified-health-HIPAA-compliance-pqgjtx4popoe2n0arp68hrz8h2as5rlhgng5b2srk8 1

About PNPLA3 – rs738409

${ activeTab.tab_content.text }

View ${ activeTab.tab_content.btn_label }

About PNPLA3 – rs738409

Overview and History

PNPLA3 – rs738409 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the PNPLA3 gene that results in an isoleucine-to-methionine amino acid change (I148M). It is a well-studied, common variant identified through population genetic studies that is linked to variation in liver lipid handling and related metabolic traits. PNPLA3 encodes a patatin-like phospholipase expressed primarily in hepatocytes and adipocytes and participates in triglyceride remodeling within lipid droplets. The rs738409 change alters the protein’s activity and cellular interactions, which can modify lipid storage and secretion patterns; these effects are most informative when interpreted alongside blood lipids, liver biomarkers, and metabolic measures rather than in isolation.

Interpreting Highs and Lows

For this genetic marker, “elevated” typically means carrying one or two copies of the variant allele (often called the risk allele), while “low” means carrying zero copies. Presence of the variant allele is associated with greater hepatic triglyceride accumulation, altered VLDL secretion tendencies, and shifts in some lipid and liver-related biomarkers. Absence of the variant allele is associated with comparatively lower hepatic lipid accumulation and different lipid handling patterns. Genetic status should be interpreted in the context of the full Cardio Zoomer profile—lipids, inflammation, metabolic markers, and clinical history—to understand how the variant may contribute to overall cardiometabolic patterns.

Featured Test

Cardio Zoomer includes PNPLA3 – rs738409 to add inherited context to lipid and metabolic findings. The variant provides insight into how liver lipid handling may influence blood lipid patterns and metabolic stress, helping clinicians distinguish whether liver-related lipid processing contributes to an individual’s cardiometabolic profile and personalize risk interpretation.

View Cardio Zoomer

PNPLA3 – rs738409 FAQs

What is PNPLA3 – rs738409 and why is it important?

PNPLA3 – rs738409 is a common genetic change that affects a liver enzyme involved in lipid storage and remodeling. It’s important because it helps explain why some people tend to store more triglyceride in the liver and show different lipid patterns. Knowing this genetic pattern adds context to blood lipid and metabolic tests.

What does it mean if my PNPLA3 – rs738409 levels are low?

For a genetic variant, “low” usually means you don’t carry the common risk allele. That pattern is associated with comparatively lower liver triglyceride accumulation and different lipid handling compared with carriers. Interpretation depends on other Cardio Zoomer results like blood lipids, liver markers, and metabolic tests.

What does it mean if my PNPLA3 – rs738409 levels are high?

A “high” result indicates you carry one or two copies of the variant allele. Carrying the allele is associated with greater hepatic triglyceride storage and changes in how the liver packages and secretes lipids. These associations need to be viewed with the full panel and clinical context to understand their relevance for your cardiometabolic pattern.

Why is PNPLA3 – rs738409 included in the Cardio Zoomer?

PNPLA3 – rs738409 helps link inherited liver lipid handling to circulating lipid and metabolic markers. Including it lets providers see whether genetic tendencies in hepatic fat processing might explain or amplify patterns seen in lipids, inflammation, or metabolic assays, supporting more precise interpretation of results.

Browse Articles

Introducing Cardio Zoomer + Cardio Genetics: Redefining Precision in Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, yet most testing still focuses on surface-level metrics like total cholesterol or...

Christopher McLaughlin

Nov 7, 2025

Cardiovascular Health Research & Innovation

Nutritional Genetics: Optimizing Diet to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk

What do you think of when you hear the term “cardiovascular disease?” Most people immediately think of high cholesterol, but cardiovascular risk goes ...

Leslie Weidner, RDN

Aug 14, 2025

Cardiovascular Health Nutrients

How Toxin Exposure Impacts Your Cardiometabolic Health

A common theme among many of my nutrition clients is that despite eating well, staying active, and managing stress, they feel worn down, inflamed, and...

Leslie Weidner, RDN

Aug 13, 2025

Cardiovascular Health Toxins Longevity

Beyond Cholesterol: Functional Nutrition for Heart Health

When it comes to cardiovascular disease (CVD), many people immediately think of high cholesterol. High cholesterol—a specific type of dyslipidemia or ...

Leslie Weidner, RDN

Jul 2, 2025

Cardiovascular Health Nutrients

About Vibrant:

The Experts Behind  Every Test

Our team is built on collaboration across disciplines to advance the science of wellness and longevity. At Vibrant Wellness, lab scientists, technologists, clinical researchers, doctors, practitioners, longevity advisors, engineers, and regulatory experts work side by side to transform diagnostics.

By uniting diverse expertise under one mission, we pioneer precision testing that empowers providers to uncover root causes, personalize care plans, and optimize patient health outcomes. Every test we develop reflects this commitment—to push boundaries in functional medicine, deliver clear, actionable insights, and support clinicians in helping patients live healthier, longer lives.

View All Tests

Results trusted by over 18,000 functional wellness professionals

We’re the leading provider of specialty wellness lab testing because we develop our testing with rigorous, ongoing research by top clinical experts, doctors, and scientists.

The gold standard of accuracy in  the lab industry

Our tests run on a proprietary 3Dense microchip technology platform that boasts unrivaled specificity and sensitivity. While most other labs carry only CLIA certification, we're CAP-accredited by the College of American Pathologists.

Our Clinical Support Team

We understand that patient care doesn't end with diagnosis. To achieve Vibrant health, patients need clinical support and
obtainable lifestyle changes. Our clinical support team helps providers make informed treatment recommendations, resulting in  better patient outcomes.

Mary Beth Augustine

DCN, RDN, FAND- Lead Clinical Educator

Suzanne Barker

MS, RDN, LD, CTTS, CGP- Clinical Educator

Suzette Garcia

MSc- MHNE- Clinical Educator

Brooke Mader Ganev

MS, CNS, LDN, FDN- Clinical Educator

Adair Anderson

MS, RDN, LDN- Clinical Educator

Lillie Luu Nguyen

DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator

Jason Barker

ND- Clinical Educator

Emaline Brown

ND- Clinical Educator

Dana Filatova

DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator

Jessy Dhanjal

ND- Clinical Educator

Nour Amri

MS, LDN, CNS, CKNS- Clinical Educator

Ready to Elevate Your Approach to Precision Wellness?

At Vibrant Wellness, we’re redefining the future of diagnostics—making complex science clear, accessible, and actionable. Whether you're a provider advancing personalized care or a patient seeking data-driven answers, our precision testing gives you the clarity to make informed decisions. Experience the next generation of functional medicine through clinically validated insights and seamless testing solutions.

Become a Provider

Become a Patient