The present invention provides a retinoid-related receptor (except retinoic acid receptors) function regulating agent comprising a compound represented by the formula: ##STR00001## wherein one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is an optionally substituted monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon group or an optionally substituted monocyclic aromatic heterocyclic group containing one heteroatom, and the other is a hydrogen atom and the like; B is a 5- or 6-membered heterocycle (except 1,3-azole); A is an optionally substituted aromatic hydrocarbon group or an optionally substituted aromatic heterocyclic group; and R.sup.3 is a hydrogen atom and the like, or a salt thereof, which is useful as an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, impaired glucose tolerance or the like.