Mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells C3H10T1/2 were divided into Ad-BMP2 (bone morphogenetic protein 2) group, Ad-VEGF165 (vascular endothelial growth factor 165) group, Ad-VEGF165 + Ad-BMP2 group, empty adenovirus group and control group. BMP2 and VEGF165 were highly co-expressed in Ad-VEGF165 + Ad-BMP2 group. Ad-BMP2 and Ad-VEGF165 + Ad-BMP2 groups, especially the latter (P < 0.05), had significantly higher expression levels of osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin, and osteopontin mRNA and OPN protein (P < 0.05). Ad-VEGF165 + Ad-BMP2 group had highest alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, strongest ALP staining and most calcium salt deposits (P < 0.05). Combining VEGF165 obviously enhanced the inducing effects of BMP2 on osteogenic differentiation capacity of C3H10T1/2 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]