Moderate alcohol intake can trigger pathological liver changesThere is no medically safe threshold for alcohol consumption; even moderate intake can trigger a sequence of pathological changes in the liver. Alcoholic Hepatitis: This occurs when oxidized fats trigger an immune response against hepatocytes (liver cells). While the inflammatory process can be halted by stopping alcohol intake, existing connective tissue remains indefinitely. This occurs when oxidized fats trigger an immune response against hepatocytes (liver cells). While the inflammatory process can be halted by stopping alcohol intake, existing connective tissue remains indefinitely.