The present invention relates to methods for preventing or treating renal failure. Particularly, the present invention relates to methods for preventing or treating renal failure comprising administering to a subject complexes comprising a member of the IL-6 family linked to a soluble receptor of the member of the IL-6 family, or isolated polynucleotides encoding same, the complexes capable of activating a gp130 mediated signaling pathway, thereby preventing or treating acute or chronic renal failure.