Aspects of the present invention are related to methods comprising contacting an endothelial cell in an endothelial cell population with a non-thermal plasma to release an angiogenic growth factor. The released angiogenic growth factor may induce endothelial cell proliferation. In certain embodiments, the angiogenic growth factor is fibroblast growth factor-2. Preferably, the non-thermal plasma may be an atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge. Additional aspects of the present invention are directed to methods for treating a disease comprising promoting angiogenesis by contacting an endothelial cell in a endothelial cell population with a non-thermal plasma to release an angiogenic growth factor. The angiogenic growth factor may induce endothelial cell proliferation. Further aspects of the present invention are directed to methods for treating a disease comprising inhibiting angiogenesis by contacting an endothelial cell in a endothelial cell population with a non-thermal plasma to reduce the number of endothelial cells in the population.
