Methane-rich saline alleviates cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis by inhibiting inflammatory response, oxidative stress and pancreatic apoptosis in mice

•Methane-rich saline alleviated pancreas apoptosis in cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis.•Methane-rich saline inhibits inflammation both in pancreas and systematically.•Methane-rich saline might be a promising treatment for acute pancreatitis in clinical practice.