Bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) are a group cells that function as an underlying cell source for bone tissue regeneration. However, the molecular mechanisms of how BMSCs are induced into apoptosis remains unclear. In the present study, it was demonstrated that the molecular mechanisms of BMSCs were exerted via microRNA‑15a‑5p (miR‑15a‑5p) in femoral head necrosis (FHN). Briefly, miRNA‑15a‑5p expression was elevated in a rat model of FHN. Overexpression of miR‑15a‑5p promoted the apoptosis of BMSCs and reduced cell growth through the Wnt/β‑catenin/peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor γ (PPARγ) signaling pathway. Downregulation of miR‑15a‑5p reduced the apoptosis of BMSCs and promoted cell growth through the Wnt/β‑catenin/PPARγ signaling pathway. The activation of Wnt attenuated the effects of miR‑15a‑5p on the apoptosis of BMSCs via the β‑catenin/PPARγ signaling pathway. In conclusion, the present results indicated that miRNA‑15a‑5p was involved in the regulation of the apoptosis of BMSCs through regulating the Wnt/β‑catenin/PPARγ signaling pathway, which may serve an important role in the regulation of FHN.