OPG blocks RANKL binding to RANK, thereby inhibiting osteoclastogenesis induced by RANKL.37 In the present study, we demonstrated that CCP exerted protective effects on AIA rats by preventing bone destruction directly, and the therapeutic benefits of CCP on RA were probably attributed to the restriction of osteoclastogenesis mediated by RANKL/RANK signalling cascade. This evidence concerns the gene TNFRSF11A and rheumatoid arthritis.