Described is a heterocycle-containing carboxylic acid derivative represented by the following formula (I): wherein A represents, for example, a heteroaryl group which contains at least one nitrogen atom and may have a substituent, B represents, for example, a heteroarylene group, a —CONH— group or a group represented by the formula —CR6═CR7— in which R6 and R7 represents H, a lower alkyl group or the like, D represents an arylene group, a heteroarylene group or the like, n1 stands for 0 or 1, M represents, for example, a hydroxyl group or a lower alkoxy group; or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof. As a retinoic-related compound replacing retinoic acid, it permits the provision of a preventive and/or therapeutic for various diseases.