The present invention relates to compositions and methods for binding and inhibiting renalase. In one embodiment, the renalase binding molecule inhibits renalase activity. Thus, in diseases and conditions where a reduction of renalase activity is beneficial, such inhibitory renalase binding molecules may act as therapeutics.

Methods and kits for characterizing liver damage in an individual are provided. The methods employ the use of immune analytes as biomarkers for detecting liver damage and predicting the likelihood that an individual suffering from liver damage will experience life-threatening liver failure. Concentration values for serum albumin and other identified immune analytes are obtained or determined from a blood sample taken from the individual. The obtained concentration values are then compared to corresponding concentrations from individuals having a healthy liver. By comparing the concentrations, an individual's likelihood of developing life-threatening liver failure and needing a liver transplant within a given time period (e.g., 6 months) can be identified.

An in vitro prognostic method for assessing the risk of death or of liver-related event in a subject, includes: a) obtaining at least one, preferably 2, of the following variables from the subject: i. biomarkers measured in a sample from the subject; ii. clinical data; iii. binary markers; iv. blood test results; b) optionally obtaining at least one blood test result by univariate combination, preferably with a binary logistic regression, of the at least one variable obtained in step a), the blood test not being a Fibrotest, c) obtaining at least one physical data from medical imaging or clinical measurement, from elastometry, or Vibration Controlled Transient Elastography, and d) mathematically combining in a multivariate time-dependent model the variable obtained in step a) and/or the at least one blood test result obtained in step b); and the at least one physical data, obtained in step c) thereby obtaining a prognostic score.