Abstract: A compound represented by the formula: wherein X represents a sulfur atom or an oxygen atom; Y represents an optionally oxidized sulfur atom or an oxygen atom; Z represents a bond or a divalent hydrocarbon group; R1 represents an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group; R2 represents an optionally amidated or esterified carboxyl group; ring A represents an optionally substituted aromatic 5-membered heterocyclic ring; or a salt thereof. A compound of the above formula possesses cell differentiation inducing factor action-enhancing activity and anti-matrix metalloprotease activity and that is useful in the prevention and treatment of bone diseases such as osteoporosis, bone fractures, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, arteriosclerosis, cancer metastasis, and diseases based on nerve degeneration.

Abstract: A compound represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein X represents a sulfur atom or an oxygen atom; Y represents an optionally oxidized sulfur atom or an oxygen atom; Z represents a bond or a divalent hydrocarbon group; R.sup.1 represents an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group; R.sup.2 represents an optionally amidated or esterified carboxyl group; ring A represents an optionally substituted aromatic 5-membered heterocyclic ring; or a salt thereof. A compound of the above formula possesses cell differentiation inducing factor action-enhancing activity and anti-matrix metalloprotease activity and that is useful in the prevention and treatment of bone diseases such as osteoporosis, bone fractures, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, arteriosclerosis, cancer metastasis, and diseases based on nerve degeneration.

Abstract: A compound of the formula: whereinQ is an optionally substituted carbon atom or N(O)p wherein p is 0 or 1;Y is an optionally substituted methylene group, S(O)q wherein q is an integer of 0 to 2, or an optionally substituted imino group;Z.sup.1 is a C.sub.1-3 alkylene group which may have an oxo group or a thioxo group and may contain etherified oxygen or sulfur within the carbon chain;Z.sup.2 is an optionally substituted C.sub.1-3 alkylene group;Ar is an optionally substituted carbocyclic group or an optionally substituted heterocyclic group;one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an optionally substituted lower alkyl group, or an optionally substituted lower alkoxy group;the other is a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an optionally substituted lower alkyl group, or an optionally substituted lower alkoxy group; orR.sup.1 and R.sup.2 taken together with adjacent --c.dbd.c-- form a ring; andring A is a benzene ring which may be substituted in addition to R.sup.1 and R.