Journal of Pakistan Association of Dermatologists · Sep 30, 2026
Correlation between Serum Heat Shock Protein–27 (HSP–27) Levels with Facial Skin Aging
By Moeza MK, Nasution K, Putra IB
Background Facial skin aging is influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, particularly ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which increases oxidative stress and cellular damage. Heat Shock Protein-27 (HSP-27) helps protect cells from oxidative damage. However, studies examining the relationship between serum HSP-27 levels and facial skin aging remain limited in this population. Objective This study aimed to analyze the relationship between serum HSP-27 levels and facial skin aging. Methods Eighty subjects were included, consisting of 40 subjects aged 20-40 years with facial skin aging and 40 control subjects aged 18-25 years without signs of facial skin aging. Subjects were selected using consecutive sampling. Facial skin aging was assessed using the Dermoscopic Photoaging Scale (DPAS), while serum HSP-27 levels were measured using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results Mean serum HSP-27 levels were lower in the facial skin aging group than in the control group (17.26±2.79 ng/mL vs. 52.72±24.50 ng/mL). The Mann-Whitney test showed a significant difference between groups (P<.001). Conclusion Serum HSP-27 levels were significantly associated with facial skin aging, with lower levels observed in subjects with facial skin aging. HSP-27 may serve as a supporting biomarker and warrants further investigation with larger samples and robust study designs.