Abstract: Objective To investigate the expression of cysteine-rich secretory protein 2 (CRISP2) in spermatozoa of patients with
asthenozoospermia and explore its clinical significance. Methods Semen samples were collected from 24 normal volunteers
and 24 patients with asthenozoospermia for detecting CRISP2 mRNA and protein expressions using qRT-PCR and Western
blotting, respectively. The correlation of CRISP2 expressions with sperm morphology, progressive motility and fertility
prognosis were analyzed in patients with asthenozoospermia. Results CRISP2 protein expression was obviously lowered in
the ejaculated spermatozoa of patients with asthenozoospermia as compared to the normal volunteers, but no significant
difference in CRISP2 mRNA expression was found between the two groups. Correlation analysis showed that CRISP2 protein
expression was positively correlated with normal sperm morphology (r=0.6182, P=0.0037) and progressive motility (r=0.6309, P=
0.0029). Follow-up study of the patients revealed a higher fertility rate in patients with a relatively high CRISP2 protein
expression than in those with low CRISP2 protein expression (80.0% vs 20.0%, P=0.0230). Conclusion The expression level of
CRISP2 protein is positively correlated with normal sperm morphology and progressive motility. A reduced CRISP2 protein
expression indicates poor fertility prognosis of patients with asthenozoospermia, suggesting the potential value of CRISP2 as a
novel therapeutic target for treating asthenozoospermia.